Overview of the Specialty
The specialty of neurology is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders involving the brain, spinal cord and other nerve and muscular conditions as well as the blood vessels that relate to them. Many neurological problems are characterized by pain and can be chronic, debilitating and difficult to treat. Headaches, strokes and seizure disorders are typical conditions neurologists treat. A large portion of the practice of neurology is consultative, but the neurologist may also be the primary physician.
At a Glance
Training
- 1 transitional/preliminary year
- 3 years of residency
- Categorical and advanced positions available
These are minimum requirements. Some programs may have longer residencies.
Fellowships
| Subspecialty | Length |
|---|---|
| Child Neurology | 3 years |
| Clinical Neurophysiology | 1 year |
| Critical Care Medicine | 1-2 years |
| Neurodevelopmental Disabilities | 4 years |
| Pain Management | 1 year |
| Vascular Neurology | 1 year |
Lifestyle
| Median, Academic Salary | $223,000 |
| Median, Clinical Salary | $268,000 |
Source: Association of American Medical Colleges
Training Requirements
Training generally consists of a minimum of four years of postgraduate education. Entry into a neurology residency training program is preceded by 12 months of ACGME-accredited graduate training in the United States or Canada, usually in general internal medicine. ACGME-approved residency training programs in neurology must provide three years of graduate education in neurology. There were 133 neurological residency training programs accredited by the ACGME for 2014/15 that offered 717 categorical/advanced positions.
Matching Program Information and Match Statistics
Neurology training programs participate in the NRMP. Match results and competitiveness information for neurology residency training positions are summarized in U.S. Match Statistics table below.
US Match Statistics |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
| Competitiveness* | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| # Categorical/ Advanced positions available for U.S. Seniors | 717 | 700 | 692 | 638 |
| % U.S. Seniors matched* | 98% | 97% | 99% | 98% |
| # Unfilled Categorical/ Advanced Positions | 13 | 19 | 27 | 23 |
| # Unmatched U.S. seniors | 8 | 8 | 2 | 6 |
Source: NRMP Match results for U.S. seniors applying in a single specialty. *Competitiveness is based upon the percentage of U.S. Seniors who ranked each specialty as their only choice.
WUSM Match Statistics
For a list of WUSM match statistics for the past several years, please visit Search for WUSM Statistics. (password protected)
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Subspecialty/Fellowship Training
Subspecialty/fellowship training upon completion of a neurology residency training program is available in child neurology and clinical neurophysiology. Detailed information about the scope of these subspecialty training programs, number of positions offered, and length of training is available at the FREIDA website.
Visit AMA website »
Visit FREIDA website »
Career Information
FREIDA physician workforce information for each specialty includes statistical information on the number of positions/programs for residency training, resident work hours, resident work environment and compensation, employment status upon completion of program and work environment for those entering practice in each specialty.
Washington University Resources
- Washington University Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME): Information about graduate medical education at Washington University
- Department of Neurology
- Neurology Elective Recommendations
- Database of WUSM alumni searchable by Specialty, Year, and/or State (password protected)
Faculty Contacts
| Douglas Larsen, MD | 454-6042 |
| Soe Mar, MD | 454-6226 |
| Robert Naismith, MD | 747-0432 |
| B. Joy Snider, MD, PhD | 747-2107 |