Trends in Matriculation from Neurological Surgery Training Programs into Academic Versus Private Practice

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Workforce Studies
• Physician Practice Preferences

Background:

• A career in academic neurosurgery presents unique challenges.
• Factors influencing neurosurgical practice preferences (academia vs. private practice) are not fully understood.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for shaping the future neurosurgical workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze demographic and educational characteristics influencing neurosurgical career choices in the United States.
• To identify factors associated with choosing academic, private practice, or combined ('privademic') career paths.
• To provide insights for diversifying the neurosurgical workforce.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons membership.
• Physician characteristics (race, gender, age, top-tier institution training) analyzed.
• Practice types categorized as private practice, academic, or 'privademic'.

Main Results:

• Younger neurosurgeons are significantly more likely to pursue academic careers (median age 53.61 vs. 58.18 years).
• Female gender is positively and significantly associated with academic practice.
• Training at a top-40 National Institutes of Health-funded institution significantly predicts an academic career.

Conclusions:

• Demographic and educational factors play a significant role in neurosurgical career choices.
• Younger age, female gender, and elite training are predictors of academic neurosurgery.
• Diversifying the neurosurgical workforce requires consideration of practice setting, demographics, and educational background.