Advice

[BobLJ99]

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I am a third year medical student interested in pursuing neurology. I am planning on completing several neuro rotations at hospitals I am interested in pursuing for residency during the early part of my fourth year. My question is, as a fourth year medical student, how can I prepare ahead of time to do well on neurology elective rotations? What type of baseline knowledge is a fourth year student interested in neurology expected to demonstrate? Thank you for any advice/guidance. I truly want to make a good impression at these programs.

 

[Ger]

I think it's a good idea to do some away rotations at programs you are interested in.
I believe, it's difficult to define a "baseline" knowledge, but no matter what you will see in Neuro, it helps to be familiar with basic neurological exam and knowing why you do what - thus, pretty much know the neuroanatomy/anatomy and how to perform a practical exam.
If you do the rotations at a larger hospital you will see a lot of strokes. You could read about basic imaging results seen at several stages of stroke and become familiar with most recent guidelines (e.g. when to use tPA). You could also print a form describing to determine the NIHSS and become familiar with it...

Lots of stuff that you could do... That's what comes into my mind at the moment...

 

[BlackFrancis33]

I've seen it from med student, resident, attending, and fellow perspective. I like med students to know neuroanatomy. I tend to ask 3rd and 4th year medical students about neuroanatomy, particularly as it applies to the neurological exam. If you can properly complete, properly report, and understand the basics of the neuroanatomy that underlies a screening neurologic exam you will be well above most of your peers at your level of training.

 

[Buddhi]

My program residents/fellows liked to quiz on MRI/CT findings. Some patterns such as for ischemic/hemorrhagic strokes, MS, etc. are commonly asked. Knowing them can help you get a few brownie points. You have to be familiar with anatomy to correctly comment on images so that is important as well.