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Headache in Medical Education: Medical School,
Neurology and Family Practice Residencies
Gallagher RM, Alam R, Shah S, Mueller L, Rogers J.
Posted: December 2005  
Headache 2005;45:866-873

Objective:   To explore the extent of headache education received by medical students and residents.

Background:   Headache is a common, often severe, and sometimes disabling problem. However, 49% of sufferers do not seek professional treatment -- of those who do, only 28% are very satisfied. One possible reason is limited education of physicians about headache.

Methods:   Surveys were sent to all allopathic and osteopathic medical schools, 200 family medicine residencies, and all 126 neurology residencies. Information requested included the amount and perceived adequacy of headache education and any plans to increase headache education.

Conclusion:   Undergraduate medical education in headache is limited. Despite medical schools perceiving their training as adequate, both neurology and family practice residency program directors believe entering residents are inadequately prepared in headache upon entering the program.