Piloting an Advanced Neuroimmunology Elective for Neurology Residents

Abstract

Objective To describe the creation of an Advanced Neuroimmunology elective for residents with a special interest in clinical neuroimmunology. Background There has been a dramatic change in the landscape of neuroimmune conditions with the discovery of new pathogenic autoantibodies, disease modifying therapies and wider availability of multidisciplinary care systems for patients. Most residencies do offer exposure to multiple sclerosis but with increasing interest in neuroimmunology and autoimmune neurological conditions, there is a gap in resident education to meet needs of this changing landscape. Design/Methods A curriculum for advanced neuroimmunology (NI) was developed for residents with special interest in clinical neuroimmunology. This two-week elective consisted of rotations through NI and affiliated multidisciplinary clinics to increase exposure to immune mediated neurological illnesses, appreciate their heterogeneity, and aid multi-disciplinary approach. Department experts in various disease states related to neuroimmunology were contacted and based on interest and resident elective time, a schedule was set up for rotations through neuroinfectious diseases, pulmonary sarcoidosis clinic, neuro-oncology, neuropathology and rheumatology. An additional expectation was to work with the fellow on inpatient consults that came in through the 2 weeks. In addition to multiple sclerosis/neuroimmunology division didactics, residents are encouraged to attend other affiliated department conferences as well as present at interdepartmental meetings, such as neuro-rheumatology conference. Results The availability of this elective allowed increased exposure to neuroimmunological conditions outside the typical Multiple Sclerosis elective at UTHealth. It also has allowed for additional inter-departmental collaboration clinically. Since the initial pilot elective, more residents have requested this as an elective and will be surveyed about their experience. Conclusions There is an unmet need for MS and NI subspecialists. Exposure to the broad spectrum of neuroimmunological conditions through multi-disciplinary collaborations during residency is instrumental to ensure future specialists have the foundations to adapt to this rapidly advancing field.