Our interactive, discussion-based, patient-centered didactic series aimed to (1) improve residents’ understanding of the roles and responsibilities of outpatient neurologists; (2) share patients’ perspectives of living with chronic neurological disease; and (3) increase residents’ understanding of effective shared decision making (SDM).

Neurology residency training is inpatient focused, underemphasizing outpatient disorders. We implemented a novel didactic series of facilitated discussions between a patient and their outpatient neurologist to expose residents to outpatient careers, topics, and management.

Residents in a large academic neurology program participated. Bimonthly sessions were held in-person in 2016 (n=6) and virtually on Zoom in 2020 (n=6). Each 60-minute session focused on one disorder. The format was conversational and moderated by a course director. Discussion points were pre-planned, focusing on patients’ experiences living with chronic neurological disease and SDM. Residents, faculty, and patients were surveyed for program evaluation.

A majority of residents, all faculty, and all patients agreed the series met its objectives. Residents and faculty found the format as effective as traditional lectures, without added burden for faculty preparation. The unique format also allowed for instruction on topics rarely covered in lectures. Residents indicated diseases covered were underrepresented in their direct patient care experiences in training. 48% of residents reported increased interest in outpatient careers. Qualitative comments identified hearing patients’ perspectives as the most valuable component. Patients felt sharing their experiences would help physicians better understand their illness and care for future patients; all would participate again.

Our series educated residents effectively about underrepresented topics in outpatient neurology. Hearing patients’ perspectives was instrumental in achieving our learning objectives. Key factors for successful implementation included a faculty moderator, pre-planned questions, and summary slides emphasizing key learning points. Future work can evaluate if increased knowledge and interest translates into sustained behavior change in residents and more residents choosing outpatient careers.