Pediatric neurology
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Pediatric neurology · Jul 2008
ReviewProposed cross-disciplinary training in pediatric neurointensive care.
Training and research in pediatric neurointensive care require unique approaches to childhood diseases that reflect differences in the immature brain's response to injury or disease compared with adults. Pediatric neurocritical care is a collaborative effort to provide consultative care among pediatric subspecialists, coordinated by neonatal and pediatric intensivists. Valuable perspectives for clinical care, training, and research can also be learned through collaboration with adult neurointensivists. ⋯ This review also stresses cross-disciplinary research and training opportunities in pediatric neurointensive care beyond physician training. Nonmedical faculty from multiple academic disciplines should also serve as mentors to design appropriate curricula and research plans for the specific trainee in their respective fields and across specialties. The discipline of neurocritical care must consider a life-course approach for the patient requiring neurointensive care from neonatal through childhood and adult ages, with cross-fertilization from diverse academic disciplines and investigative points of view.