Three important steps to European neurology harmonization: core curriculum, visitation program, European board examination

Although the specialties in Europe have some common guidelines, in most European countries neurological training is practiced differently [1]. This is due to several reasons, such as medical tradition, health system and other factors. These differences are within the federalism and autonomy of the European Union (EU), including the European Economic Area member states, but harmonization of residents training is a major goal in Europe. To serve this goal, a core curriculum, definition of the neurology content, European board examinations and a department visitation program were recently installed on the European level by the European Board of Neurology (EBN) [2], European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). The UEMS (www.uems.net) is the association of European medical specialists, and is constituted from national societies and sections (medical specialist sections). The EBN consists of representatives from European UEMS members, and has biannual meetings. The website of the UEMS/EBN contains information of present activities, including that on examination and visitation of departments. The EBN made the decision in 2004 to develop an EBN examination, and it took several years of preparation to establish the examination, which will take place in 2012 for the fifth time. In the course of its development several changes have taken place. The examination is the final loop of training, but the training content, the faculty and also the local conditions determine the quality of a program. For this reason an EBN department visitation program was established, offering a structural visit to training departments, and also reports on the impression based on faculty, trainees and facilities of the teaching unit. The content of training, the visitation of teaching departments and the EBN board examination offer altogether a European quality circle for neurology. The continuation of training is continuing medical education (CME) in its various dimensions, such as congresses, elearning, teaching, reviewing, selfassessment and finally recertification. Many of these activities overlap with residents’ training, or are relevant for both the residents as well as the qualified neurologist needing CME. A possible development of neurological board exams could be the accessibility of the UEMS/ EBN by consultants as an important component of CME, either informally on a personal level or perhaps in the future as a necessary component for revalidation or recertification.