Neuroradiology vs Neurology - whats the future?

[zoidberg925]

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Hi all. I am a MS IV currently interviewing for neurology, but I am considering taking a year off and then applying for radiology. I am specifically interested in neuroimaging and interventional neuroradiology (or interventional neurology – depending upon different social circles). I was wondering if anyone could comment on the futures of these fields (i.e. pro’s/cons of approaching these as a radiologist vs a neurologist)? I realize that both are a fairly controversial areas at the moment, and would really appreciate any objective opinions or experiences? Thanks!

 

[eddieberetta]

Hi all. I am a MS IV currently interviewing for neurology, but I am considering taking a year off and then applying for radiology. I am specifically interested in neuroimaging and interventional neuroradiology (or interventional neurology – depending upon different social circles). I was wondering if anyone could comment on the futures of these fields (i.e. pro’s/cons of approaching these as a radiologist vs a neurologist)? I realize that both are a fairly controversial areas at the moment, and would really appreciate any objective opinions or experiences? Thanks!

Neuroimaging will be very difficult for you to do. You will not be able to join any radiology group or department, there are I believe a very small number of neurologists who interpret images in their own imaging center. You will not be able to access any major neuroradiology fellowship. In summary, not a way to become a neuroradiologist, but since anybody with a state licence (I assume you are in the US) can do any procedure, no law will prevent you from reading neuro (or other) imaging.

INR is possible but in my opinion neurology applicants are regarded as least desirable by many INR programs -- you will have to compete with radiologists and neurosurgeons. But certainly possible.

If your main interests are neuroimaging and neuroradiology (i.e. you have limited or no interest in clinical neurology), then radiology would be better for you. OTOH if you love clinical neurology, you will always be able to participate in imaging by reviewing your patients' scans, and research even if you are not officially reading them. It all depends on how important imaging is toy you.

Good luck.

 

[f_w]

Consider looking into one of the combined neurology/radiology/neuroradiology training spots. It is a 7 year residency that concludes with board certification in neurology and radiology as well as the CAQ in neuroradiology.

There was a lot of enthusiasm when these programs where started, I don't know whether any of them are still functional (the main problem was that after a couple of months of radiology, the residents begged to be taken into the categorical rads residency).

If you are dead-set on INR, try to do a radiology or neurosurgery residency followed by an excellent INR fellowship. I have seen the result of people with incomplete understanding of angiographic technique trying to do INR, and I can tell you it is not pretty.

It is possible to get an INR fellowship after a neuro residency and stroke fellowship, but there are only a number of programs that take neuro residents (1-2 INR fellowships are run by neurologists).

 

[zoidberg925]

Thank you all very much for your responses.

Where do you see the future of interventional neuroradiology going? Do you think neurologists will be doing more of it in the future, or will it remain mostly under the realm of radiology?

 

[f_w]

Where do you see the future of interventional neuroradiology going? Do you think neurologists will be doing more of it in the future, or will it remain mostly under the realm of radiology?

I think it will go more towards neurosurg. The only area I see neuros in is interventional stroke management.

 

[eddieberetta]

I think it will go more towards neurosurg. The only area I see neuros in is interventional stroke management.

There has been a resurgence of interest among radiologists. I hope and believe that radiologists will continue to be active in INR, but only time will tell. I second the opinion that for the forseeable future, the role of neurologists in INR will be relatively minor.