Current Status of Manpower Needs for Management of Cerebrovascular Disease

Abstract

The cerebrovascular discipline has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. The advent, development, and now widespread application of endovascular therapy for various cerebrovascular diseases has been the predominant influence behind many of these changes, but other factors (some scientific, others less so) have also contributed significantly. As our discipline evolves, it is critical to periodically examine how such changes have altered our manner of practice and to determine what impact such changes might have on manpower allocation and training for the future. This article is our attempt at providing such an assessment. First, we will critically review recent trends within the fields of intracranial aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, carotid atherosclerotic occlusive disease, and ischemic stroke and how these trends have impacted our profession. Thereafter, we will provide a perspective on what the cerebrovascular manpower needs of the future might be and by whom these needs will be met. Finally, we will examine how the new generation of cerebrovascular specialists, including neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and some neurologists, will attain their requisite surgical or endovascular training and attempt to determine which careers, pathways, and opportunities will be available to these individuals in the future.