A. History And Statement Of Principles
The ABPN, in concurrence with the ABMS, established a Committee on Certification in the Subspecialty of Vascular Neurology in 2003. This was done to officially establish the field of vascular neurology as a definite area of sub-specialization in neurology and child neurology and to provide a means of identifying properly trained and experienced vascular neurologists.
The actual mechanics of certification of qualified candidates have been delegated by the Board to the Committee, which operates under the supervision of and in accordance with the policies of the Board.
B. Specific Training Requirements
Please Note: This is a brief summary of training requirements and not intended to be all inclusive. Read the current Information for Applicants publication for all requirements for Initial Certification in Vascular Neurology.
Applicants for certification in vascular neurology must be certified by the Board in neurology, in neurology with special qualification in child neurology by December 31of the year prior to the examination. All applicants other than those initially approved during the “grandfathering period” (2005-2009) are required to submit documentation of successful completion of one year of ACGME-accredited fellowship training in vascular neurology that did not begin before the time general residency training in neurology or child neurology, including time spent in combined training programs, was completed. Training or exposure to vascular neurology given to neurology or child neurology residents as part of their basic neurology or child neurology curriculum does not count toward the one year of training. All licensing and training requirements must be met by June 30 of the year prior to the examination.
The require done year of specialized training in vascular neurology maybe completed on a part-time basis as long as it is not less than half time; credit is not given for periods of training lasting less than one year except under special circumstances that must be approved by the ABPN Credentials Committee. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide detailed documentation from the respective training directors outlining training content, duties, and responsibilities. Each case is considered on an individual basis.
C. Examination Content
This 200-item, multiple-choice timed examination is administered via computer at Pearson VUE Testing Centers. Candidates are assessed in basic science aspects of vascular neurology, prevention, risk factors and epidemiology, clinical features of cerebrovascular diseases, evaluation of patient with cerebrovascular disease, causes of stroke, treatment of patients with stroke; and recovery, regenerative approaches, and rehabilitation.