The Fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery

Subspecialty training in pediatric neurosurgery has been a widely discussed topic over the past several years. This paper will discuss the rationale for subspecialization in neurosurgery, describe what makes pediatric neurosurgery unique as a subspecialty area of neurosurgery, and present a rationale for fellowship training in pediatric neurosurgery following the completion of a general residency in neurosurgery. The difference between fellowship and residency training is outlined, and the importance of integrating the fellowship with the neurosurgical training program is emphasized. Controversies regarding structure of the pediatric neurosurgical fellowship, 'certification' of the fellowship training, and issues of supply and demand are reviewed.