Editor:
A recent article in the AANS Bulletin [Benzil DL, von der
Schmidt E: Toward harnessing forces of change: Assessing the neurosurgical
workforce. 15(4):7–11, 29, 2006, article ID 43102] discussed the current
need for more neurosurgeons in the United States. Several methods of recruitment
were discussed but one potential source was overlooked—undergraduate
premedical students. Exposing medical students to the challenge and excitement
of clinical neurosurgery is well and good but offering the same shadowing
opportunities to undergraduate students can be just as effective.
For 22 years I have offered a one-month “Externship in Neuroscience” to undergraduate students who participate as part of their January term (in 4-1-4 calendar programs). Without exception these younger premedical students found clinical neurosurgery to be fascinating, and a large percentage planned to head in that direction after medical school. I would urge other clinicians not to overlook this potential pipeline of future neurosurgeons.
If anyone is interested in sponsoring such a shadowing program, I’d be happy to explain how it works.
Douglas B. Kirkpatrick, MD
Medford, Ore.
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