Child neurology residency in Brazil: current scenario

*Correspondence: [e-mail].

Abstract

Background: Presently, in Brazil, Child neurology is a medical area that might be followed by pediatricians or neurologists and requires at least two years of specific medical training. There are 26 child neurology residency programs in Brazil, but data about the present scenario is scarce.

Objective: Outline the current scenario of child neurology residency programs in Brazil, describing the hospital's structures, accessibility to exams and medical specialties, and residents' performance.

Methods: This study included 23 professors and 28 residents from different child neurology residency programs who answered an online survey. A descriptive analysis was made to characterize the sample. Quantitative variables were expressed as means and standard deviations (SDs), and qualitative variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages.

Results: Considering the physical structure, 21 (91.3%) residencies are located in teaching hospitals; child neurology is a consultant medical specialty in 13 (56.5%) hospitals; the average number of hospital beds in a pediatric ward is 72.9 (SD±91.7), and in a child neurology ward is 2.4 (SD±3.9). Referring to neuroimaging accessibility, brain ultrasonography and brain computed tomography (CT) are available in all centers, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 16 (69.6%) hospitals. The genetic, neurosurgery, psychiatry, and radiology specialties are accessible in most centers. Epilepsy, general child neurology, and neurodevelopmental are the most frequently addressed areas, in this order. Considering medical residents' performance, professors and residents evaluated their ethical posture as excellent or good. The knowledge about neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and semiology was rated as good, as well as interpretation and understanding of genetic tests. Their ability to indicate neuroimaging exams, such as CT or MRI, was considered excellent. Despite the positive scenario, both professors and residents do not agree with the present model. Most professors suggest direct access to the specialty, and residents think one more year of Child Neurology would be ideal.

Conclusion: This survey comprehended almost all Child Neurology residency programs in Brazil, delineating the present scenario, and found that professors and residents do not completely agree with the current model. Future studies might use this data to establish improvement measures in residency programs

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2025