How Competitive is a Child Neurology Residency? Updated for 2023

If you want a career as a child neurologist, here is how competitive the medical specialty is to match into a child neurology residency. Child neurologists are specially trained physicians who have followed up their four-year medical school education with a five-year post-graduate training regimen consisting of two years training in pediatrics, one year in general neurology, and two years in pediatric neurology.

Statistics on the Child Neurology Match

In 2022, child neurology had a total of 182 applicants and 188 spots. This equates to 0.97 applicants per position. Of the 102 U.S. MD seniors who applied, 2 did not match.

Osteopathic (DO) Students Matching into Child Neurology

In 2022, the total number of DO Senior Applicants was 22. Of those, 20 matched, for a 90.91% match percentage. This makes child neurology a Very Friendly field for osteopathic students.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Matching into Child Neurology

Because there are only 0.97 U.S. MD applicants per 1 program spot, child neurology is considered to be Friendly for IMGs students.

Honors, Research and Awards for Child Neurology Residency Candidates

The average matched U.S. applicant had 7.8 volunteer experiences and 3.3 work experiences. They had 3.8 research experiences and 7.4 abstracts, presentations and publications. That makes this specialty on where the number of publications needed is Medium.

Average Step 1 and Step 2 Scores for Child Neurology

The mean U.S. Step 1 score for matched medical students in child neurology was 234. The mean USMLE Step 2 CK score was 247.

Overall Competitiveness of Child Neurology Residency and Chances of Matching

The overall competitiveness level of child neurology is Low for a U.S. senior. With a Step 1 score of 200, the probability of matching is 75%. With a Step 1 score of >240, the probability is 98%.

How long is a residency in child neurology? What is the lifestyle like for a child Neurologist resident?

Compared to other residencies, child neurology has a Medium training length. As far as lifestyle, child neurologists generally have a Low stress lifestyle. Of course, lifestyle is very subjective and if you love what you do, it does not matter! And if you hate what you do, it can still be rough no matter what. In medicine, you should find the specialty that makes you enjoy your everyday interactions with patients, staff and colleagues.

What is the average salary for a child neurologist?

The average salary post-graduation from a child neurology residency is $280,000, provided one does not go on to sub-specialty training which can change the salary substantially. Academic versus private practice as well as location also play a large role in physician compensation.

What are fellowships one can do from a child neurology residency?

Following the successful completion of general child neurology residency, some physicians may choose to continue their graduate medical education with subspecialty training. Board-certified subspecialists complete additional training and qualifying examinations beyond those required for board certification in child neurology. Currently, child neurologists are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc and can also subspecialize in the following:

• • Neurophysiology or Epilepsy Fellowship
  • Neuromuscular Fellowship
  • Neuro-oncology Fellowship
  • Neurointensive Care
  • Epilepsy
  • Pediatric MS
  • Headache

What are the best child neurology residencies in the country?

The best residency for child neurology, or any specialty, is very driven by personal preference and situation. How close you are to family, loved ones, the type of training environment, the opportunities available are all things to take into consideration above and beyond name recognition of a program. However, there are some highly regarded names in the world of child neurology including:

• • Stanford University
  • National Wide Childrens
  • Columbia University
  • Boston Childrens Hospital
  • Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia

Much of the data above is available from the AAMC Charting the Outcomes report.

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