Emerging Subspecialties in Neurology: Cortical Careers in Neuropalliative Care

Abstract

Serious neurologic illnesses are associated with significant palliative care (PC) needs, including symptom management, complex decision-making, support for caregivers, and end-of-life care. While all neurologists are responsible for the provision of primary PC, there is an increasing need for trained neurologists with expertise in palliative medicine to manage refractory symptoms, mitigate conflict around goals of care, and provide specialized end-of-life care. This has led to the emergence of neuropalliative care (NPC) as a subspecialty. There are different ways to acquire PC skills, incorporate them into one's neurology practice, and develop a neuropalliative carer. We interviewed 3 leaders in the field of NPC, Dr. Robert Holloway, Dr. Jessica McFarlin, and Dr. Janis Miyasaki, who are all neurologists with different subspecialties and training pathways working in academic centers. They share their career paths, their advice for neurology trainees interested in pursuing a career in NPC, and their thoughts on the future of the field.