International issues: postgraduate neurologic training in Japan.

Hiroyuki Nodera, MD In Japan, postgraduate training in neurology and other medical specialties is undergoing significant change. In the past, Japanese neurologic education and training took place at the local level, with great variability among centers, and trainees had limited knowledge of general medicine before entering specialty training. In 2004, Japan instituted a system whereby all trainees had to complete a 2-year general training program before entering their specialty of choice. Several challenges remain, however, including an overemphasis on technology over clinical skills and variability among the many training programs available.