Neurosurgical training programme in selected European countries: from the young neurosurgeons' point of view.

ABSTRACT

AIM: In this paper we discuss the Neurosurgical Training Programme (NTP) in some European countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Although there is no official data on how many neurosurgeons are certified in Europe, our calculation shows that this number is somewhat lower than in the United States of America and even 3 times lower than in Japan (per 100.000 population). It is also evident that there is no consensus in the Programme duration or in the official NTP content, despite the recommendations of the EANS (The European Association of Neurosurgical Societies). Trainees from outside the European Union (EU) are under-represented in the EANS training courses. We believe that in the eastern part of Europe there is the most space for improvement in neurosurgical training. Solving of all these problems requires first and foremost their recognition and consideration - then devising a solution. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast several NTP's in Europe in order to promote a more coherent medical education. Some remarks and suggestions from the perspective of young neurosurgeons are given.