We describe a model for delivering comprehensive headache medicine education to practicing clinical providers across multiple disciplines. Key demographic features of providers enrolled in the program are discussed.

Headache disorders affect 12% of the US population and rank globally as the second most disabling medical condition; despite this, headache disorders are commonly misdiagnosed or mismanaged. One identified cause is inadequate provider training. To address this gap, the Jefferson Headache Center and the College of Nursing at Thomas Jefferson University created the Advanced Headache Diagnosis & Management Program. This comprehensive 1-year curriculum and mentorship program specifically applied to providers who were already practicing clinically and/or who were not eligible to complete a Headache Medicine fellowship. The goal of this education model is to increase the number of providers across multiple disciplines who can effectively diagnose and treat headache disorders. 

The Advanced Headache Diagnosis & Management Program offered didactic coursework on clinical diagnosis, pathogenesis, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, psychiatric and sleep disorders, and business management. Content was presented through asynchronous interactive modules and discussion boards, and synchronous webinars. An onsite intensive provided in-person student interaction with mentors, clinical practice, and feedback.  

Since its initiation, the program has enrolled 55 providers over four cohorts. Provider types include physicians (34.55%), nurse practitioners (50.91%), physician assistants (7.27%), psychologists (3.64%), and nurse anesthetists (3.64%). Primary specialties include adult neurology (52.73%), pediatric neurology (3.64%), headache medicine (16.36%), pain (7.27%), family medicine (5.45%), emergency medicine (3.64%), psychology (3.64%), oral and maxillofacial surgery (1.82%), internal medicine (1.82%), and PM&R (1.82%). Special provider practice settings include: international/non-US based (9.09%), Veterans Health Administration (12.73%), and the Indian Health Service (1.82%).

This program is a unique model for delivering comprehensive, interactive content and access to quality headache medicine education and mentorship to a diverse group of clinicians worldwide.