Abstract WP391: Survey of Neurology Post-Graduate Trainees' Exposure to Interventional Neurology: Report From the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Education Committee

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to Interventional Neurology (IN) for Neurology trainees varies from site to site and from year to year, depending on training program needs, political climate, and trainee interest. With new stroke trials expanding the indications and manpower needs for endovascular stroke therapy (EST), we sought to determine the current exposure of Neurology residents and fellows to the burgeoning field. Methods: Neurology residency and Vascular Neurology (VN) fellowship programs were identified from the ACGME database available online. Electronic surveys were distributed to Neurology residency program directors and Vascular Neurology fellowship directors for further distribution to their trainees. Results: A total of 250 programs were invited to participate, from which 76 trainees completed the survey. A range of training levels was captured (22% PGY2, 40% PGY3/4, 30% VN fellows). 72% of respondents had >4 months of exposure to VN in their residency training, though exposure to NeuroICU was less (majority <3 mo). Over 68% of respondents had no exposure to IN, and none had >2 months. Respondents overall felt comfortable with acute stroke treatment decisions, with 60% comfortable or very comfortable with IV tPA decisions and 86% for EST in both early and late windows. While 65% of respondents felt welcomed in the angiography suite and 72% felt a background in Neurology is a good preparation for the field, only 41% agreed that pursuing training and a career in IN is straightforward. Conclusion: Neurology trainees and VN fellows have limited residency exposure to IN, and while most feel well prepared for the field, less than half feel that access to a career in IN is readily available. Efforts to expand exposure to IN and creating consistent pathways for training will be paramount to address the current and urgent patient care needs for EST.