A snapshot of contemporary leadership at pediatric neurosurgery fellowships

Abstract

Objective: Many pathways to positions of leadership exist within pediatric neurological surgery. The authors sought to investigate common trends in leadership among pediatric neurosurgery fellowship directors (FDs) and describe how formalized pediatric neurosurgical training arrived at its current state.

Methods: Fellowship programs were identified using the Accreditation Council for Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowships website. Demographic, training, membership, and research information was collected via email, telephone, curricula vitae, and online searches.

Results: The authors' survey was sent to all 35 identified FDs, and 21 responses were received. Response data were supplemented with curricula vitae and online data prior to analysis. FDs were predominantly male, self-identified predominantly as Caucasian, and had a mean age of 53 years. The mean duration from residency graduation until FD appointment was 13.4 years. The top training programs to produce future FDs were New York University and Washington University in St. Louis (residency) and Washington University in St. Louis (fellowship).

Conclusions: This study characterizes the current state of pediatric neurosurgery fellowship program leadership. The data serve as an important point of reference to compare with future leadership as well as contrast with neurosurgery and other surgical disciplines in general.

Keywords: medical education; neurosurgery leadership; pediatric neurosurgery fellowship.