To create a standardized high yield curriculum for non-Neurology rotating clinicians to build up their Neurology knowledge and clinical confidence.

“Neurophobia”, described in 1994 by Dr. Josefowikz, “a fear of neural sciences and clinical Neurology”, still holds true to this day. A survey among senior house officers identified three major issues; the need to know basic neuroscience and neuroanatomy, the amount, type and quality of teaching, and difficulty carrying out a neurological examination.

We created a series of eight, one-hour lectures of core Neurology topics based on the educational objectives for Psychiatry and Medicine residency as per ACGME requirements. These included neuroanatomy, neuroradiology, localization, stroke, headaches, seizures, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders and sleep. Beginning in July 2018, Psychiatry, Neurosurgery and Internal Medicine residents rotating in Neurology at UT Health San Antonio began having protected time each week to attend our "Overcoming Neurophobia" course. Lectures were given by a pre-assigned Neurology resident. A 5-10 question pre-test and post-test was required with each lecture, as well as a survey. We compared the pre and post test scores. Survey feedback was reviewed to improve quality and content of the lectures.

From July 2018 to May 2019, 31 residents attended the course and 73 tests were completed. An increase in scores was seen between all pre and post tests (mean ± SD pre 6.19 ± 2.35, post 8.58 ± 1.78 , p<0.05). Post survey data showed appropriateness of content of  lectures as 69% excellent, 31% above average; quality of lecture and tests as 90% excellent, 10% above average. Comments were 100% positive.

Our data suggests a high yield structured curriculum is beneficial to improve Neurology knowledge and clinical confidence. We continues to provide "Overcoming Neurophobia"  course for non-Neurologists. This method can be implemented as a new standard and novel teaching approach for residents.