Neurólogos para el siglo XXI / Neurologists for the XXI century

ABSTRACT

This editorial is aimed at motivating the exchange of opinions on the formation of neurology specialists in Chile. We are not only interested in the curricular aspect of university formation, which is perhaps the area with the best structure in our country, but also in other, sensitive and routine, aspects which are yet to be clearly defined. What is the role that belongs to scientific societies? Should they be directly involved in postgraduate education? Or should their role be limited to continuing education of the fully trained neurologist? Should practical training be an alternative for accrediting specialists? Is a national neurology exam useful or convenient? Considering that there are many valid answers that depend on the outlook and goals of each individual or institution, it is necessary to open an opportunity for a national debate on the subject. The Society of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry of Chile has the opportunity to collect and structure the ideas that come from the non-academic world. Health national authorities must bring elements related to the countryÆs health politics, which affect this situation. Finally, universities, which currently have complete and final tuition over the formation of specialists, have a fundamental role, that they cannot delegate. It is recommendable that there be national agreements on quality standards, allowing and valuing the autonomy and diversity of each universityÆs program. It is from this perspective that we publish in this number the minimum criteria recommendations proposed by the Association of Chilean Medical SchoolÆs Committee on Accrediting Neurological Training Programs.