Neurology is the medical specialty that deals with neurological diseases in adults. Training for specialist certification in neurology takes at least 60 months after completion of the internship year, in accordance with Regulation No. 856/2023.

At the Neurology Department of the Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavík, an initial residency of 12–36 months is offered, but the resident must complete their training abroad to obtain specialist certification in neurology. The structure of the program is based on the curriculum of the European Board of Neurology.

Duration: 2 years

Objectives

This is a 24-month initial residency in neurology. The program is based on clinical work at the neurology department, participation in meetings, teamwork, courses, and other relevant activities in the field, as well as participation in on-call duties and structured education according to the training plan.

Clinical training in neurology takes place at the neurology ward within the internal medicine unit of the Landspítali treatment division. The resident’s duties include work on the inpatient ward, day-care and outpatient services, and providing consultation for the emergency department and other hospital wards in collaboration with neurology specialists.

During the first year, the focus is on the fundamentals of neurology, with residents receiving thorough training in history taking, neurological examination, diagnosis, and treatment planning for patients with neurological diseases. The first year emphasizes inpatient duties, day-care services, and consultation services. As training progresses, the resident assumes increasing responsibility and manages more complex cases.

Objectives of the Residency

(see also the curriculum from the European professional society)

• The resident shall acquire solid and broad knowledge of neurological diseases in adults, including their causes, symptoms, epidemiology, progression, and prognosis.

• The resident shall gain good knowledge of the treatment and follow-up of major neurological diseases in adults.

• The resident shall be able to perform a neurological examination and assess its findings.

• The resident shall be able to collect sufficient information for diagnosis through interviews, examinations, and review of the patient’s medical record.

• The resident shall be able to record a clear medical history following patient history and examination, including interpretation and a proposed treatment plan.

• The resident shall be able to prioritize tasks according to the urgency of symptoms.

• The resident shall have thorough knowledge of the reception of patients with acute ischemic stroke, be familiar with the indications and contraindications for thrombolytic and endovascular treatment, and be able to follow protocols accurately and safely.

• The resident shall have strong skills in lumbar puncture, be able to perform the procedure independently, know its indications, possible complications, and appropriate responses, and be able to interpret the results. The resident should perform at least 20 lumbar punctures during the training period.

• The resident shall know the indications, contraindications, and utility of EEG, nerve conduction studies, and EMG, and have basic knowledge of their performance and interpretation.

• The resident shall be able to communicate effectively with patients and their relatives, provide appropriate information and education, and convey difficult results.

• The resident shall understand the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork, be able to work in and lead teams, use the strengths of other professionals effectively, and communicate well with other healthcare professionals.

• The resident shall gain experience in teaching and training medical students and view it as part of their professional role.

• The resident shall be able to prepare and deliver a well-structured lecture effectively to physicians, other health professionals, and the public.

• The resident shall be able to apply evidence-based medicine to evaluate the scientific basis of different treatment options.