Healthcare activity in neurology combines writing medical histories, diagnostic data collection, correct use of complementary exploratory procedures, and accurate clinical and aetiologic diagnosis, as well as choosing appropriate palliative treatments. We also emphasise the role of the relationship between resident doctors and patients in the basic areas of Neurology.

A large number of medical conditions and neurological illnesses can result in critical emergency situations, such as strokes and lupus. With this in mind, from the second year the duty shifts in neurological emergencies become a key aspect of residents’ work, and are always carried out under supervision. Neurologists are also required to carry out a rotation in neurological outpatient care.

Research studies are part of the practical work that neurologists must deepen and develop, with particular emphasis on ethical competence when carrying out research.

Neuroscience research should be done under supervision of a tutor, and requires solid training in scientific methodology as well as in bioethics and scientific communication.

Summary of Rotations for Residents

During the first year, the training pathway focuses on clinical training through rotations in different departments, including the Emergency Department, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, and related areas. In addition, during the first year residents may already begin their training in Neurology through a rotation in the outpatient Neurology Unit and inpatient care at a tertiary-level center with complex and diverse pathology.

During the second year, the program provides a deeper exposure to inpatient Neurology. Residents rotate through the Stroke Unit and the Neurology inpatient ward, where conditions such as neuroimmunological and neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, and headaches, among others, are managed. In addition, residents complete specific rotations in Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology.

During the third and fourth years, residents follow a specialized training pathway that includes rotations and collaboration with the different subspecialty units within our department: the Epilepsy Unit, Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Memory Disorders Unit, Movement Disorders Unit, Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Headache Unit, Clinical Neurophysiology, and Pediatric Neurology. During each subspecialty rotation, residents are offered the opportunity to participate in research projects that facilitate and encourage attendance at both national and international conferences.

In the final months of specialized training, residents complete a final rotation in the Neurology inpatient ward, which allows them to further develop and consolidate their knowledge and to work with a certain degree of autonomy. In addition, a two-month external rotation at an international center with a high level of scientific activity is encouraged. Recent destinations have included the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (Newcastle, UK), Cooper Neurological Institute (Philadelphia, USA), and the French National Reference Center for Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes and Autoimmune Encephalitis (Lyon, France).

There are also other departments or institutions where residents may undertake optional rotations if they wish, including Pathology, Immunology, research areas of the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), and the Intensive Care Unit.

Regarding on-call duties, during the first year residents undertake general medical emergency shifts (approximately four per month), and from the second year onward they undertake Neurology on-call shifts (approximately three per month) with continuous on-site supervision by an attending physician. During on-call activity, the hospital is a referral center for the evaluation and management of stroke, status epilepticus, and suspected acute myelopathy.

Thus, completing residency training in the Department of Neurology at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital guarantees comprehensive and well-rounded training in Neurology. The program is full of stimulating challenges and opportunities, offering excellent resources in a pleasant environment and alongside outstanding professionals.

Why should I specialise at Vall d’Hebron?

• Because our expertise and high number of patients underscore the fact that we are a leading hospital for the treatment of neurological disorders.
• Because we offer the chance to take part in applied research.
• Because residents have the chance to work under supervision when treating complex neurological conditions, both on the wards and in critical cases in the Accident and Emergency Department.
• Because residents are encouraged to attend conferences and training sessions to develop new approaches.