Physicians are measured by the ever-changing requirements put forth by a health care system that is increasingly focused on a value proposition: health care outcomes per dollar spent. But many neurologic disorders are incurable and even improvement may not be an option. The value of a neurologist cannot be wholly measured by modern economic standards.1 This issue of Neurology® Clinical Practice celebrates both the measurable and immeasurable value of the neurologist.
Prabhakaran et al. (p. 194) report on an early comfort approach to care in acute stroke patients. An accompanying editorial by Holloway and Bernat (p. 191) reminds us that “what matters most remains the quality of the conversation—how well clinicians teach and how well we listen.”
Joseph Berger (p. 246) contends that the financial contribution of the multiple sclerosis specialist must be acknowledged to adequately provide care for the second greatest cause of disability in young adults. Ruff et al. (p. 237) demonstrate improved door-to-needle times in acute ischemic stroke patients at their hospital through a structured educational initiative for neurology residents. Kerber et al. (p. 214) report on barriers and facilitators to emergency department physician use of the test and treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
The future of neurology depends on not underselling our skill set—both a solid knowledge base (specialty training plus clinical experience) and the willingness to spend requisite time with a patient. I want to see the next generation of residents that we train be valued—and valuable—for many years to come.
John R. Corboy, MD, FAAN
- © 2017 American Academy of Neurology
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