Neurology
Neurology is a small but growing specialty that is good for those who like problem-solving and taking a logical approach to the mysteries of the human brain. Neurology programs generally focus on the whole residency applicant, making it less competitive than other specialties. It is also one of the most IMG friendly specialties (based on the last few NRMP Matches). Neurology is an advanced specialty, as most programs require a PGY-1 Intern Year completed before starting training. Some programs include the PGY-1 year, but residency candidates interested in Neurology should be prepared for both contingencies. Overall, Neurology is a specialty with diverse career options after residency training is complete.
IMG Profile
Average Stats for a Matched US IMG in 2020:
- USMLE Step 1 score: 227
- USMLE Step 2 CK score: 236
- Research: 2.4
- Abstracts/Presentations/etc: 4.3
- Work: 4.8
- Volunteer: 4.7
Average Stats for a Matched Non-US IMG in 2020:
- USMLE Step 1 score: 233
- USMLE Step 2 CK score: 239
- Research: 3.2
- Abstracts/Presentations/etc: 10.7
- Work: 6.1
- Volunteer: 4.1
Specialty Factors
Every specialty has unique factors they want each candidate to have in their residency application. NRMP conducts regular Program Director surveys to identify which parts of the residency application are most important in differing specialties. Among the information gathered, Program Directors were asked to cite factors they used to select candidates for interviews. They were also asked to rate each factor on a scale from 1 (least important) to 5 (most important).
The Top 5 Most Important Neurology Application Factors
Percentage of Programs Citing Each Factor
- USMLE Step 1 score (96%)
- Letters of recommendation in the specialty (92%)
- MSPE/Dean’s Letter (92%)
- Personal Statement (84%)
- USMLE Step 2 CK score (84%)
Average Importance Rating for Each Factor (scale of 1 to 5)
- Perceived commitment to specialty (4.5)
- Personal prior knowledge of applicant (4.4)
- Evidence of continuous medical education without gaps (4.4)
- Applicant was flagged with Match violation by the NRMP (4.4)
- Audition elective/rotation within your department (4.3)
Fast Facts
| Total Training | 4 years |
| Average Residency Salary | $64,600 |
| Average Physician Salary | $264,000 |
| Average Work Week | 50.8 Hours |
| Peak Interview Months | November, December |
| Key Organizations and Societies: | American Board of Neurology American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists American Neurological Association Association of University Professors of Neurology National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Society for Neuroscience |
- Neurology is the 4th most IMG friendly specialty, according to 2020 statistics.
Match Statistics
Main Residency Match and Post-Match Stats
IMGs Matched
682
Number of Programs/Positions
Post-Match SOAP Unfilled Positions
Main Residency Match
PGY-1
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Post-Match SOAP
| Program Track | PGY-1 |
| Participating Programs | 11 |
| Filled Programs | 11 |
| Positions Available | 17 |
| Filled Positions | 17 |
Subspecialties
- Brain Injury Medicine
- Child Neurology
- Clinical Neurophysiology
- Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
- Neuromuscular Medicine
- Pain Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Vascular Neurology
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