Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) represents a paradigm shift of treatment in modern medicine. However, a significant awareness gap persists amongst medical students and neurology trainees regarding MT and neurointervention, both domestically and globally. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a targeted educational workshop combining didactic lectures and hands on neuroendovascular simulation to enhance awareness of this subspeciality and as well as global stroke disparities. MATERIALS/METHODS: We conducted a pre and post intervention study involving 43 medical trainees spanning in training from first year of medical school to residents (24% M1, 24% M2, 12% M3, 5% M4, 12% resident) recruited through the Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) at our hospitals’ affiliated medical schools. The intervention comprised of didactic sessions discussing neuroendovascular training pathways, global stroke care disparities and women in Neuro‐IR, followed by a hands on neuroendovascular workshop simulating MT and clot science. Participants completed pre and post intervention surveys assessing knowledge and interest in neuroendovascular procedures. Survey completion rates were 100% pre intervention and 77% post intervention. RESULTS: Pre‐intervention data revealed limited exposure to neuroendovascular procedures, with only 26% reporting prior exposure during medical training. 62% of participants self‐reported as “not at all knowledgeable” or “not very knowledgeable” about neurointerventional radiology. Only 59% were familiar with mechanical thrombectomy, and 40% were aware of its utilization rate for large vessel occlusions in the USA. Post‐intervention, 100% of participants reported increased awareness of specialties involved in neurointervention and conditions amenable to neuroendovascular treatment. 97% expressed confidence in explaining mechanical thrombectomy to peers. All participants reported enhanced understanding of local and global neurointerventional service needs. Interest in pursuing further training in neurointervention increased by 64%, with 96% indicating likelihood to explore a career in the field. 70% expressed inspiration to consider working in underserved areas. Participants suggested earlier exposure in training, expanding these workshops throughout medical schools, and structuring a medical student elective would impact their understanding and interest within neurointervention. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the significant impact of a targeted educational intervention on medical trainees’ awareness and interest in neurointerventional radiology. The findings emphasize the importance of early exposure to this subspecialty, particularly given the variability in training center resources. Implementation of similar workshops could address the current knowledge gap and potentially influence career trajectories in this critical field.