Studying Neurology in Latin America: Comparative Analysis of Academic Curriculum

Abstract

This study analyzes neurology curricula in universities across Latin America, taking into account the diversity in medical education and the need to improve the training of specialists in a constantly evolving field. The objective of the research is to compare neurology educational programs in Latin America by evaluating admission requirements, curricular structure, and courses offered. A comparative methodology was employed to examine the curricula of various Latin American universities included in the QS ranking. Data collection was conducted between November 2023 and July 2024, using Python as the primary programming language for the development and implementation of algorithms, complemented by dolphin-2.7-mixtral. Findings indicate that Colombia and Chile have the highest number of universities offering specialization in neurology, predominantly within private institutions. Common admission requirements were identified, such as holding a medical degree and completing a rotating internship. However, significant differences were observed, including psychological testing and language proficiency requirements. The most common subjects include Clinical Neurology and Neurophysiology, although there is variation in the emphasis on specific topics. There is significant diversity in educational programs, but challenges remain in terms of accessibility and equity. Greater collaboration and standardization among institutions are recommended to improve neurology training in the region.

Received: 17 November 2024 / Accepted: 22 December 2024 / Published: 05 January 2025