1.This curriculum outlines the requirements for subspecialty training for radiologist in neuroradiology, including interventional neuroradiology.
2.Trainees will usually enter into neuroradiology training 18 months after gazettement or equivalent . This training is either in diagnostic neuroradiology and interventional neuroradiology. However earlier, more focused, individualised training in neuroradiology is being encouraged for those trainees with previous neuroscience experience.
3.All neuro trainees will have acquired basic knowledge of neuroradiology diagnosis as radiology trainees during core training and will already have acquired basic skills.
4.Dedicated neuroradiology training received at other neuroscience centre may be taken into consideration on case to case basis based on TAC recommendation.
5.All neuroradiology training programs should be approved and accredited for training by the College of Radiologists (Academy of Medicine, Malaysia). The Training Accreditation Committee (TAC) visiting team should include at least a neuroradiologist and a neuro-interventionalist
6.The aim of subspecialty training in neuroradiology is to enable the trainee to become independent clinically competent, and to consistently interpret the results of neuroradiological investigations accurately and reliably. Where appropriate, trainees should also be capable of providing a comprehensive and safe interventional diagnostic and therapeutic service
The content of training needs to be flexible and appropriate to the ultimate goal of the trainee. Neuroradiology is an expanding specialty with development of interventional services, paediatric neuroradiology and functional brain imaging, including magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Some trainees may wish to obtain extra training in these areas.
A minimum of 18 months of full time training locally in neuroradiology is essential and will be accreditated as a ‘clinical fellow’ from the accredited training centre. A further 18 months overseas recommended for a total of 3 years for completion of NSR training. A trainee undertaking training in neurointerventional procedures requires minimum two years of concentrated neurointerventional training within the stated 3 years. This recommendation conforms to the advice of the National Specialist Registrar.
A training scheme responsible for training in neuroradiology must provide access to appropriate computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital subtraction angiography, ultrasound (US) and radionuclide imaging facilities. Trainees should also have access to neonatal cranial US.
1.Clinical knowledge will be acquired by a variety of means. This will include close liaison with the appropriate surgical and medical teams and participation in combined clinical and radiological meetings. Clinical inter-relationships are necessary with :
oneurosurgery (paediatric and adult)
oneurology (paediatric and adult)
oneuropsychiatry
oneuropathology
oneurophysiology
oneuroanaesthesia/critical care and emergency medicine
otrauma
ohead and neck diseases
2.Other specialties will also provide important training opportunities, in particular ophthalmology, otology, genetics, endocrinology, psychiatry, neuro-oncology, maxillofacial surgery, spinal surgery and rehabilitation services.
3.It may be appropriate for the trainee to have a regular attachment to ward rounds, outpatient clinics and theatre sessions in order to further clinical knowledge relevant to the subspecialty.
4.The trainee is expected to attend and to conduct appropriate clinico-radiological meetings under supervision.
5.The trainee should participate in relevant clinical audit, management, and clinical governance, and have a good working knowledge of local and national guidelines in relation to radiological practice.
6.The trainee should be involved in research and have the opportunity to attend and present at national and international meetings. The progression of research projects to formal peer-reviewed publication should be supported and encouraged by the supervising consultant(s).
7.Attendance at the Malaysian, Asian, British, European and American Neuroradiology Societies meetings should be encouraged.
8.The trainee should be encouraged to become a member of the College of Radiology, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia
9.The trainee is expected to participate in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching including training for MRAD, FRCR, and MBBS.
10.The trainee should continue to participate in the radiologist on-call rota in diagnostic as well as interventional neuroradiology if required with appropriate consultant cover
Subspecialty training in neuroradiology is assessed and accredited by the TAC and approved by the COR and NSR.