2. Introduction
Dr. Franklin Epstein teaches up-and-coming
neurosurgeons as an assistant professor with the
University of Texas Health Science Center
Department of Neurosurgical Science in San Antonio.
In the United States, there are presently too few
neurosurgical specialists to meet medical demand in
the areas of emergency care and pediatric
neurosurgery, according to a statement published by
the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
(AANS). The report predicts that as the population of
the country ages, the demand for neurosurgical care
will rise, necessitating an influx of new specialists
trained by academics like Dr. Franklin Epstein.
3. Neurosurgeon Shortage
The AANS statement highlights several contributing
factors to the current and projected shortage of
neurosurgeons. One such factor centers on the rigors
of neurosurgical training, which can take nearly two
decades if measured from the start of medical school
through final speciality certification. Currently, the
academic system produces roughly 160 new
neurosurgical specialists annually, a number that falls
short of projected requirements. This is especially true
when considering possible unforeseen demand
created by breakthrough treatments.
Interested parties can access the full text of the AANS
report at http://goo.gl/0mtTfx.
