Subspeciality training in neurosurgery.

Evolution for neurosurgeons is not at a standstill. The environment, competition from neighbouring fields, advances in biology and changes in the level of information available to our patients, the "market" will favour and demand subspecialisation. Subspecialists are characterized by recognized records of excellence. The best suited to impart knowledge to a clinical fellow is the senior subspecialist who is working within a group of other complementary subspecialists. To develop subspecialty expertise takes a minimum of one, preferably two years of training. Neurosurgery will retain and regain its strength as a discipline by diversification, not by clinging to monolithic uniformity.