174 A career in neurology: How can we encourage medical students to think about it?

Abstract

IntroductionInterest in neurology is declining, reflected by reduced ST3 applications between 2016–2018. ‘Neurophobia’ and perceived lack of knowledge are possible explanations. Therefore, our aims were to identify factors that attract or deter students from neurology, and the impact of an extra-curricular careers event.Methods20 medical students attended a careers event organised by St George’s Clinical Neuroscience Society. A consultant neurologist discussed his experiences, recent neurological developments, and relevant training pathways. Attending students completed a questionnaire before and after the event, consisting of: motivating factors, deterrents, and utility of the event.Results45% of students were initially attracted to neurology due to the pathologies presenting in patients. After the talk, this significantly increased to 80% (p<0.05). 75% of students were initially deterred from neurology due to perceived lack of time with a future family. Following the event, this significantly decreased to 55% (p<0.01). 75% of students strongly agreed that similar events should be integrated into the curriculum.DiscussionFollowing a careers event, perceived insufficient time with family as a deterrent to entering neurology was attenuated. Such events are valuable in addressing misconceptions of students, and support an informed choice about the realities of a career in neurology.melamednaomi8@gmail.com