AANEM survey of training in electrodiagnostic medicine in U.S. residency programs

Muscle Nerve. 2020 Jun;61(6):751-753. doi: 10.1002/mus.26856. Epub 2020 Mar 25.

Abstract

Background: Little literature exists describing resident training in peripheral electrodiagnosis (EDX).

Methods: U.S. residency programs in neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) were surveyed by the AANEM (American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine) on specific features of EDX training.

Results: Ninety-seven programs responded to the survey. Training duration was 4-8 weeks in most neurology programs; training averaged 22 weeks in PM&R programs. EDX experience was required in all PM&R and in 90% of neurology programs. Results varied greatly for the residency years of training, pulling of residents for other responsibilities, participation in continuity clinics, number of teaching physicians, number of needle examinations performed, organization of nerve conduction training, written/oral examinations, muscle/nerve biopsy reviews, and training materials.

Conclusions: This survey demonstrated large variability in training of neurology and PM&R residents in peripheral EDX.

Keywords: AANEM; EMG; NCS; nerve conduction; resident training; survey.

MeSH terms

  • Electrodiagnosis / methods*
  • Electrodiagnosis / trends
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency / methods*
  • Internship and Residency / trends
  • Neurology / education
  • Neurology / methods*
  • Neurology / trends
  • Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / education
  • Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / methods*
  • Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / trends
  • Physicians* / trends
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • United States