Introduction Neurointervention is a nascent specialty with growing interest. As a relatively new field with various pathways for training, there is a dearth of information readily available for prospective trainees outlining pathways to creating a neurointerventional practice. This study aims to capture student interest in neurointervention so that targeted approaches can be created to foster trainee interest, and engage and support trainees and inform future efforts to grow and improve the field of neurointervention.

Methods Enrolled medical students (M1/2/3/4 or scholarly year) at an LCME/COCA-accredited medical school were asked to complete an online survey. The survey consisted of Likert scale questions regarding medical student exposure and interest in neurointervention, and was deployed via listserv, social media and emails to medical students. Data analysis was conducted via R version 4.2.1 (Vienna, Austria).

Results At the time of data analysis, 361 students had completed the survey. A majority (73.4%) of respondents were women. Most respondents (n=221, 61.2%) were aged 22-25, and 179 (49.6%) were white. Most respondents (n=266, 73.68%) were MD candidates, and 90 (24.9%) were DO candidates, with the remainder as dual degree students. Most students (n=153, 42.4%) were unsure of their interest in SNIS due to lack of knowledge in the field, and many (n=206, 57.1%) attributed their lack of interest due to lack of experience in the field. Students indicated lack of mentorship in the field (n=205, 56.8%) was a deciding factor, and 100 (27.7%) indicated little mentorship in the field. Many students felt that the length of training and lack of clear pathways was a deterrent to the field (n=281, 77.8%). A total of 335 (92.8%) of students felt that diversity representation was a deciding factor in their interest or lack of interest in neurointervention.

Conclusion Targeted approaches are necessary to foster trainee interest and promote student inclusion in neurointervention. Lack of mentorship, representation, and clear pathways were identified as reasons for a lack of interest in the field. Future studies should target residents, and efforts should be made to assess interventions and programs that will foster trainee exposure and interest and build trainee confidence in their decision to pursue a potential career in neurointervention.

Disclosures Funding for this study was provided by the SNIS Foundation.

Disclosures A. Siddiqui: None. R. De Leacy: None.