Survey of neurology chairmen in U.S. and Canadian medical schools about neuroepidemiology.

Using a mailed questionnaire, 185 U.S. and Canadian directors of medical school departments and residency programs were surveyed about the role of neuroepidemiology in clinical neurology. Data were obtained about current neuroepidemiologic staff; consultation patterns; current and future needs for neuroepidemiologists, including duties and level of training; funding of neuroepidemiologists; and training of residents and fellows. We recommend more centralized teaching of the epidemilogy of neurologic disease with participation by practicing neurologists, courses in neuroepidemiology in schools without special training programs, and improved training of residents and fellows, with more active participation by medical school epidemiologists.