Abstracts

Rationale: Fellowship training in Clinical Neurophysiology (CNP) is often sought following Neurology residency. However, data documenting the reasons for choosing CNP fellowship, and experiences therein, are sparse. Methods: Current Neurophysiology fellows across the United States participated in a 17-item, internet-based survey. Data regarding demographics, reasons for choosing fellowship, adequacy of training, and future plans were collected. Results: Among respondents (n=49), 84% graduated from a US medical school. Personal interest in CNP was the most common reason for choosing the fellowship. Program choice was guided by location and clinical strength of the program. Choosing a program based on clinical strength was likely to result in higher satisfaction scores. Overall, most (87%) were satisfied with their current program giving a satisfaction score of 4 or 5 on a 1-5 Likert scale. Lesser time spent in the epilepsy monitoring unit and EEG was also associated with higher satisfaction scores- these were also the areas that appeared to be most stressed during training. No differences emerged between male and female respondents in their answers to the various survey questions. Conclusions: We encountered a group of academically minded CNP trainees who are satisfied with their choice of fellowship, the current application process and training received. Most intend to have a future in academic medicine. CNP areas that appear to need further development in terms of providing a well-rounded fellowship include training in sleep, evoked potentials and intra-operative monitoring. The findings would be informative to future fellowship trainees, and to program officers. Funding: None