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
As of the most recent NRMP data, 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.
Total Positions | Total Number of Applicants | Number of Applicants per Position |
188 | 182 | 0.97 |
Osteopathic (DO) Students Matching into Child Neurology
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.
Total DO Applicants | Matched DO Applicants | DO Match Percentage | |
19 | 17 | 89.47% |
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.
Research Experiences | Abstracts, Presentations and Publications | Work Experiences | Volunteer Experiences |
3.8 | 7.4 | 3.3 | 7.8 |
Average Step 2 Scores for for Child Neurology
The mean USMLE Step 2 CK score was 247. The overall competitiveness level of child neurology is Low for a U.S. senior.
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:
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- 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:
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- 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.
FAQ: What Else Can I Learn About Child Neurology Residency?
Q: What makes child neurology an appealing specialty?
A: Child neurology is an incredibly rewarding field that combines the challenges of diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in children with the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and families. The specialty offers a mix of acute care, chronic disease management, and research opportunities, making it both dynamic and impactful.
Q: How many child neurology residency positions are available each year?
A: Approximately 150-200 child neurology residency positions are available annually in the United States. Since it is a smaller specialty, programs are competitive and seek applicants with strong academic records, relevant experience, and a demonstrated commitment to pediatrics and neurology.
Q: Do I need research experience to match into child neurology?
A: Research experience, particularly in neurology or pediatrics, is highly beneficial. Programs value candidates who have contributed to the understanding of neurological conditions, as it shows a genuine interest in advancing the field and addressing complex diseases.
Q: How important are away rotations for matching into child neurology?
A: Away rotations are a great way to explore child neurology programs, gain experience in pediatric neurology, and secure strong letters of recommendation. These rotations also allow you to interact with faculty and residents, giving you insight into the culture of the program.
Q: What should I include in my personal statement for child neurology?
A: Your personal statement should highlight your passion for both pediatrics and neurology, describe experiences that sparked your interest in child neurology, and discuss your long-term career goals. Emphasize qualities like empathy, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions.
Q: What types of conditions do child neurologists treat?
A: Child neurologists treat a wide range of conditions, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, migraines, neuromuscular disorders, developmental delays, genetic disorders affecting the nervous system, and traumatic brain injuries. They also manage rare and complex neurological conditions in children.
Q: What procedures do child neurologists typically perform?
A: While child neurologists focus primarily on diagnosis and medical management, they may perform procedures such as lumbar punctures, nerve conduction studies, EEG monitoring, and intraoperative neurological monitoring. They also collaborate with neurosurgeons on surgical cases involving the nervous system.
Q: Are there opportunities for child neurologists to focus on research?
A: Yes, child neurology offers numerous research opportunities in areas such as epilepsy, neurogenetics, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neuroinflammation. Research can involve clinical trials, translational studies, or bench research aimed at understanding and treating pediatric neurological conditions.
Q: How does child neurology differ from adult neurology?
A: Child neurology focuses on the developing nervous system, which includes managing conditions unique to children, such as congenital and genetic disorders, developmental delays, and pediatric epilepsy syndromes. It also requires understanding how neurological conditions evolve as children grow, requiring a different approach to treatment than in adults.
Q: What subspecialties are available within child neurology?
A: Child neurologists can pursue subspecialties such as:
– Epilepsy: Specializing in the treatment and management of seizures.
– Neurogenetics: Focusing on genetic disorders affecting the nervous system.
– Neuromuscular Medicine: Treating conditions like muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy.
– Headache Medicine: Managing chronic migraines and other headache syndromes in children.
– Neurocritical Care: Caring for critically ill children with neurological conditions.
Q: What does the lifestyle of a child neurologist typically look like?
A: The lifestyle of a child neurologist can vary based on practice setting. Those in academic or hospital settings may work longer hours and handle complex cases, while private practice may offer more predictable schedules. Many child neurologists value the balance of clinical care, patient relationships, and research opportunities.
Q: What innovations are shaping the future of child neurology?
A: Advances in child neurology include the development of precision medicine approaches, gene therapies for genetic disorders, advanced imaging techniques, and wearable EEG devices. These innovations are improving diagnostic accuracy and expanding treatment options for children with neurological conditions.
Q: How does child neurology intersect with other specialties?
A: Child neurologists often collaborate with pediatricians, geneticists, neurosurgeons, and developmental specialists. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team to address the complex needs of children with neurological disorders, ensuring comprehensive care.
Q: Are there fellowship opportunities after completing a child neurology residency?
A: Yes, fellowship opportunities include epilepsy, neuromuscular medicine, neurocritical care, movement disorders, and neurogenetics. Fellowships provide advanced training and enable child neurologists to specialize further in areas of interest.
Q: What role do child neurologists play in improving quality of life?
A: Child neurologists help children and families manage challenging conditions by providing accurate diagnoses, developing tailored treatment plans, and offering long-term care. They address both physical and emotional aspects of living with neurological disorders, significantly improving quality of life.
Q: What are the career opportunities for child neurologists?
A: Child neurologists can work in academic medical centers, children’s hospitals, private practice, or research institutions. Career paths may include clinical care, teaching, research, or administrative roles. Many also participate in advocacy for children with neurological conditions.
Q: How do child neurologists approach developmental delays?
A: Child neurologists evaluate developmental delays through detailed medical histories, physical exams, and diagnostic tests like EEG, MRI, or genetic testing. They collaborate with developmental specialists and therapists to create comprehensive treatment plans that support a child’s growth and learning.
Q: How do I find shadowing opportunities with a child neurologist?
A: Contact pediatric neurology departments at hospitals or academic institutions. Networking through mentors, medical school advisors, or pediatric neurology interest groups can also help you connect with physicians open to shadowing students.
Q: What professional organizations can I join as a child neurology student?
A: Students interested in child neurology can join organizations such as the Child Neurology Society (CNS), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and American Epilepsy Society (AES). These organizations provide networking, mentorship, and access to educational resources and research opportunities.
Q: How early should I start preparing for a career in child neurology?
A: Begin early by excelling in your medical coursework, joining neurology or pediatrics interest groups, and gaining hands-on experience through clinical rotations and research. Building relationships with mentors in the field can provide invaluable guidance as you prepare for residency.
Did You Know?
- Child neurology is a relatively young specialty:
Although neurology has ancient roots, child neurology emerged as a distinct specialty in the mid-20th century. The field was formally recognized in 1965 when the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology created a certification pathway for child neurologists, reflecting growing recognition of the unique needs of the developing nervous system.
- Child neurologists treat over 400 rare genetic and metabolic disorders:
Advances in neurogenetics have revolutionized child neurology. Conditions like Tay-Sachs disease, Dravet syndrome, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are now better understood due to genetic testing and research, enabling earlier diagnoses and novel treatments like gene therapy and enzyme replacement therapy.
- The brain’s plasticity gives hope for young patients:
One of the most fascinating aspects of child neurology is the developing brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself after injury or disease, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. This plasticity allows for more effective rehabilitation and recovery in children with neurological conditions compared to adults.
Explore Other Specialties:
Specialty | Average Step 2 Score (Matched) |
---|---|
Anesthesiology | 246 |
Child Neurology | 246 |
Dermatology | 256 |
Diagnostic Radiology | 249 |
Emergency Medicine | 247 |
Family Medicine | 238 |
General Surgery | 249 |
Internal Medicine | 248 |
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics | 250 |
Interventional Radiology | 255 |
Neurological Surgery | 252 |
Neurology | 245 |
Obstetrics and Gynecology | 248 |
Orthopaedic Surgery | 255 |
Otolaryngology | 256 |
Pathology | 242 |
Pediatrics | 245 |
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | 241 |
Plastic Surgery | 256 |
Psychiatry | 241 |
Radiation Oncology | 250 |
Vascular Surgery | 247 |