How much neurology should a medical student learn? A position statement ofthe AAN Undergraduate Education Subcommittee

Neurologic disease, already common in the United States, will become even m ore common in the future. But presently, neurology education at the undergr aduate level and in primary care residencies is declining and does not adeq uately train physicians to manage neurologic illness, The authors maintain that this serious problem can be partially addressed by improving the neuro logy education of all primary care physicians and by allowing students acce ss to neurology specialists. The education of medical students in the basic and clinical neurosciences must be integrated into a seamless curriculum o ver the four years of medical education. This educational experience must b e taught through a team approach and must be led by both a clinician and a basic scientist. All medical students must acquire the knowledge, skills, a nd attitudes necessary to perform an initial evaluation oi the patient with a neurologic complaint. Finally, students must understand the role and rec ognize the importance of the neurologist and know when consultation is need ed. This continuum of neurology education must be financially supported by the institution, and course leaders who show excellence in education must b e rewarded with compensation and promotion.