title: Canadian Paediatric Neurology Workforce Survey and Consensus Statement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Little knowledge exists on the availability of academic and community paediatric neurology positions. This knowledge is crucial for making workforce decisions. Our study aimed to: 1) obtain information regarding the availability of positions for paediatric neurologists in academic centres; 2) survey paediatric neurology trainees regarding their perceptions of employment issues and career plans; 3) survey practicing community paediatric neurologists 4) convene a group of paediatric neurologists to develop consensus regarding how to address these workforce issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surveys addressing workforce issues regarding paediatric neurology in Canada were sent to: 1) all paediatric neurology program directors in Canada (n=9) who then solicited information from division heads and from paediatric neurologists in surrounding areas; 2) paediatric neurology trainees in Canada (n=57) and; 3) community paediatric neurologists (n=27). A meeting was held with relevant stakeholders to develop a consensus on how to approach employment issues.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 100% from program directors, 57.9% from residents and 44% from community paediatric neurologists. We found that the number of projected positions in academic paediatric neurology is fewer than the number of paediatric neurologists that are being trained over the next five to ten years, despite a clinical need for paediatric neurologists. Paediatric neurology residents are concerned about job availability and desire more career counselling.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a current and projected clinical demand for paediatric neurologists despite a lack of academic positions. Training programs should focus on community neurology as a viable career option.
authors.affiliation: 1University of Ottawa,Ottawa,Canada.
authors.forename: Asif
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Doja
authors.affiliation: 1University of Ottawa,Ottawa,Canada.
authors.forename: Serena L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Orr
authors.affiliation: 1University of Ottawa,Ottawa,Canada.
authors.forename: Hugh J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.affiliation: 5University of Calgary,Calgary,Canada.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kirton
authors.affiliation: 9Dalhousie University,Halifax,Nova Scotia.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brna
authors.affiliation: 5University of Calgary,Calgary,Canada.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Esser
authors.affiliation: 6University of Edmonton,Edmonton,Alberta,Canada.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tang-Wai
authors.affiliation: 7University of Montreal,Montreal,Quebec,Canada.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Major
authors.affiliation: 8McGill University,Montreal,Quebec,Canada.
authors.forename: Chantal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Poulin
authors.affiliation: 2Western University,London,Canada.
authors.forename: Narayan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.affiliation: 10University of British Columbia,Vancouver,British Columbia,Canada.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Selby
authors.affiliation: 3University of Toronto,Toronto,Canada.
authors.forename: Shelly K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.affiliation: 3University of Toronto,Toronto,Canada.
authors.forename: E Ann
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Yeh
authors.affiliation: 4McMaster University,Hamilton,Ontario,Canada.
authors.forename: David Ja
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Callen
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D032921:Consensus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009462:Neurology; D000072143:Pediatricians / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: education; neurology - pediatric