To determine the utility and structure of a cross-specialty curriculum for neurology fellows to support their transition to independent practice.

We designed a needs assessment survey to anonymously collect demographics, assess interest in a transition to practice curriculum, and query topic preferences. The survey was distributed via email to publicly available addresses for US neurology residency and fellowship program directors who were asked to additionally distribute to target populations within their institution. Stratified sampling by geographic region was used to include a variety of training settings, and institutions were randomized within geographic strata. Due to under-powered response rates, we converted to convenience sampling and the survey was distributed to all US neurology training institutions.

Study is ongoing, however preliminary data demonstrate that most respondents were residency (42%) and fellowship (36%) program directors, with a small representation from trainees (8%) and new attendings (3%). North and South regions were equally represented (31%) followed by West (16%) and Midwest (8%).  43% of respondents felt that business-related topics (productivity/billing) were most important, followed by securing employment (13%), and licensure/continuing education (13%). Topics including advanced degrees and interfacing with industry were felt to be less important.

Preliminary survey results demonstrate interest among educational program leadership for a generalizable fellowship curriculum. Although more insights are needed from trainees and newly independent physicians, these data will help shape a comprehensive tailored curriculum incorporating modules already published, including the AAN Transition from Training into Practice lecture series.