Neuromuscular Fellowship
The neuromuscular fellowship is a one-year program designed for recently graduated neurologists to specialize as neuromyologists. The objective of this specialized qualification is to train talented and motivated young neuromyologists to improve the quality of patient care in the field of neuromuscular diseases and research within the Spierziekten Centrum Nederland.
Neuromuscular diseases (muscle diseases) affect peripheral motor neurons, the peripheral nervous system, and striated (skeletal) muscles. The Netherlands has an estimated 200,000 patients with a neuromuscular disease, with over 600 different conditions described. Many of these are rare and require careful diagnostics due to their hereditary nature, allowing for proper genetic counseling. Diagnosing, advising, and treating a significant portion of patients with neuromuscular diseases require specialized knowledge. In most academic centers, only a limited number of neurologists possess in-depth expertise in neuromuscular disorders. Ensuring continuity and quality of care for neuromuscular patients, as well as advancing patient-centered research and education in this field, depends on maintaining a sufficient critical mass of specialists.
Given the overall prevalence of neuromuscular diseases, non-academic neurology training programs and large neurology departments without training accreditation also frequently encounter neuromuscular cases, creating a need for further education in neuromyology. This aligns with the broader trend of incorporating specialized areas of interest within neurology departments and practices.
Admission Requirements
The neuromyology specialization is only available to trained neurologists and falls outside the standard neurology residency program. Training to become a neuromyologist typically occurs through a muscle diseases fellowship. Candidates must demonstrate a clear interest in neuromuscular diseases and have the ambition to pursue a career in this field. This should be reflected in their curriculum (e.g., publications, advanced internships, or PhD research).