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July 6, 2026

With the US facing a neurologist shortage, it’s never been more important to connect with future doctors about neurology. However, many US medical schools don’t require a core clerkship in neurology or even a neurology elective—so how can those students learn about the field?

This question is why the AAN offers the Visiting Professor Program, which brings distinguished professors in neurology to medical schools for a short time for activities like grand rounds, lectures, and student meetings. The professors offer insights into their field and inspire students, especially those who are underrepresented in medicine, to consider neurology as a career.  

“I gave two talks with a broad overview of neurology—what excites me about the field, some of the advancements we’ve seen in recent years, and some of the challenges and opportunities in the field,” said Timothy R. Fullam, MD, FAAN, who visited Marian University’s Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine in June as part of the program. “I also toured the campus and had the opportunity to sit down for lunch with all of the students who were interested in learning more.”

Fullam, a neuromuscular specialist at Barrow Neurological Institute, has volunteered time throughout his career to speak to medical students and high schoolers about his field. He said while many students at the “small but mighty” Indiana college were still undecided, a number in each lecture indicated they were interested in becoming neurologists.

Even for the students interested in family medicine or other specialties, exposure to neurology was a great benefit for their future career.

“Many of them wanted to have a better sense of how they could optimize their neurology skills during their time in medical school and residency, so they would know what to watch for, when to consult neurology, and how to better serve their patients,” he said.

One of the students Fullam met with was Anthony M. Stultz, the president of Marian University’s Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) chapter, Neuro-SIG. Stultz is a first-generation college graduate and student doctor. He plans to become a neurologist with a focus on traumatic brain injury, stroke, and seizure.

“It was great to be able to meet Dr. Fullam,” Stultz said. “I enjoyed hearing his stories and learning more about his journey through medical school and residency. I also really admired his passion for neuromuscular research, and practicing medicine in Arizona. I have family from Arizona, and I thought it was amazing that we both connected on things about Arizona.”

The visit also led to future plans—Fullam plans to be part of the SIGN chapter’s neurology Q&A session in the coming school year. Even better, Stultz said some of his fellow students have a new interest in neurology.

“[The Visiting Professor Program] benefits the field's future by allowing more opportunities for students to get connected with neurology outside of Indiana, as well as get more experience in different fields of neurology,” Stultz said. “Some medical students haven't been exposed to this fellowship and concentration before and are now eager to explore more about neuromuscular neurology.”

Interested in the AAN Visiting Professor Program?

The Visiting Professor Program is now planning events for the 2026-2027 school year. The AAN covers travel, accommodation, food, and honoraria for the visiting professor, as well as some giveaway items for the students. Any medical school can be considered for the program, but those with no required neurology clerkship are prioritized.

If your school is interested, email Lucy Persaud, the AAN’s associate director of workforce development.