B - 112 Challenges and Opportunities for Training in a New Era in Neuropsychology: a Survey Study

Abstract

Abstract Objective The field of neuropsychology is undergoing significant changes, especially as the Minnesota Update Conference (MUC) drafts are developed. In late 2023, a group of neuropsychology trainee-leaders, united through the Clinical Neuropsychology Trainee Forum (CNTF), surveyed trainees in the United States and Canada to better understand their needs and perception of the neuropsychology training climate. Method Survey items were written by a CNTF task force consisting of trainee-leaders from major neuropsychology organizations before being refined by four independent neuropsychologists, including two current neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship training directors. The survey was distributed via listservs and social media. Results 220 respondents completed a majority of the survey, and they were primarily female (86%), White (71%), and training in the United States (92%). More than 75% of respondents reported satisfaction with their doctoral program, internship, and/or fellowship. Similarly, 90% and 73% of respondents, respectively, felt their opinions on the future of the field are listened to and/or valued in discussions with peers and supervisors/mentors. However, only 57% of respondents felt their opinions are valued by neuropsychology organizational leadership, and nearly 70% were uncertain or disagreed that trainees’ opinions were valued during the MUC draft development and review period. Conclusions Most neuropsychology trainees are satisfied with their training programs yet expressed concern about their opinions on the future of the field being heard by neuropsychology leadership. Trainee stakeholder engagement will be key to the vitality of neuropsychology in light of anticipated MUC Guidelines. Recommendations for supervisors, training directors, and neuropsychology organizational leadership will be discussed.