Harvard Neurology for the Non-Neurologist 2024

Overview

Harvard Neurology for the Non-Neurologist 2024 is a comprehensive educational activity designed to update clinicians on developments in clinical neurology. This course combines presentations, question-and-answer sessions, multiple-choice questions, and expert interactions to enhance diagnostic and management skills for patients presenting with neurological symptoms and disorders.

On-demand neurology education — accessible anytime, anywhere.

Agenda

This course delivers a detailed, multi-day program focused on fundamental and advanced neurology topics relevant to non-neurologists. Each session provides practical insights supporting improved clinical decision-making.

• Welcome & Introduction: Day 1: Fundamentals & Common Outpatient Presentations — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Clinical Neuroanatomy for the Non-Neurologist — Galina Gheihman, MD
• Q&A
• The Neurological Exam for the Non-Neurologist — Tamara Kaplan, MD
• Q&A
• Break
• Neuroimaging for the Non-Neurologist: What to Order and When — Joshua Klein, MD, PhD
• Test Your Knowledge — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Q&A
• Lunch
• Headache — Angeliki Vgontzas, MD
• Test Your Knowledge — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Q&A
• Sports Neurology — Claus Reinsberger, MD, PhD
• Q&A
• Break
• Introduction to Neuropathies and Radiculopathies — Meabh O’Hare, MBBS
• Q&A
• Introduction to Myasthenia Gravis and Muscle Diseases — Joome Suh, MD
• Test Your Knowledge — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Q&A
• Welcome & Introduction: Day 2: Common ED and Inpatient Presentations — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Recognizing and Managing Acute Stroke — Samuel Snider, MD
• Q&A
• Secondary Stroke Prevention — Alexis Roy, MD
• Test Your Knowledge — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Q&A
• Break
• Acute Seizure Management & Work-up — Jong Woo Lee, MD, PhD
• Test Your Knowledge — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Lunch
• When to Suspect Multiple Sclerosis and Other Inflammatory Disorders — Sarah Conway, MD
• Q&A
• Below the Belt Neurology — Tamara Kaplan, MD
• Q&A
• Break
• Approach to the Dizzy Patient — Manali Shah, MD
• Q&A
• Fundamentals of Neuro-Ophthalmology — Leigh Rettenmaier, MD
• Test Your Knowledge — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Q&A
• Can’t Miss Neurological Infections — George K. Harrold, MD
• Q&A
• Welcome & Introduction: Day 3: Neurodegenerative Conditions & Other — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Parkinson’s Disease and other Movement Disorders — Emily Ferenczi, MD, PhD
• Q&A
• Functional Neurologic Disorders — Mary Angela O’Neal, MD
• Q&A
• Break
• Back and Neck Pain — Shamik Bhattacharyya, MD, MS
• Q&A
• What You Need to Know about Women’s Neurology — Kenda Alhadid, MD
• Q&A
• Lunch
• Evaluating Cognitive Disorders and Dementia — Seth Gale, MD
• Q&A
• Treatment & Management of Alzheimer’s Disease — Sheena Baratono, MD, PhD
• Test Your Knowledge — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Q&A
• Break
• Common Neurologic Complications of Cancer & Their Management — Eudocia Q. Lee, MD, MPH
• Q&A
• Three Mystery Cases: Test Your Knowledge! — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Concluding Remarks & Course Adjourn — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Mastering the Neurological Examination: An Interactive Workshop (Optional In-Person Workshop)
• Welcome & Introduction: Overview of 4 stations and objectives for the day — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD
• Rotation 1 (4 stations in parallel) — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD; Ariel Nowicki, PA-C, MS; Margaret Naclerio, PA-C
• Break/Station Rotation
• Rotation 2 (4 stations in parallel) — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD; Ariel Nowicki, PA-C, MS; Margaret Naclerio, PA-C
• Break/Station Rotation
• Rotation 3 (4 stations in parallel) — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD; Ariel Nowicki, PA-C, MS; Margaret Naclerio, PA-C
• Break/Station Rotation
• Rotation 4 (4 stations in parallel) — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD; Ariel Nowicki, PA-C, MS; Margaret Naclerio, PA-C
• Break/Station Rotation
• Course Wrap Up & Course Adjourn — Tamara Kaplan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Review the neurological history and approach to the neurological exam.
• Recognize how to diagnose common neurological problems such as headache, Parkinson’s disease, ischemic stroke, and dementia.
• Learn an approach to the most common neurological symptoms including headache, vision changes, weakness, dizziness, and cognitive changes.
• Apply optimal care to patients with neurological problems who do not require referral to a neurologist.
• Identify ways to provide self-management support to patients with chronic neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia.
• Recognize and manage neurological emergencies such as ischemic stroke and meningitis/encephalitis.

Learning Objectives for the Neurological Examination Workshop

• Identify the purpose of basic and advanced neurological exam skills and what neurological function they test;
• Apply hands-on practice neurological exam techniques to evaluate specific common presenting neurological symptoms (e.g., headache, cognitive concerns, weakness, sensory changes, and gait abnormalities);
• Review immediate, constructive feedback and practical guidance to improve neurological examination technique and develop skills in focused neurological assessments.

Speakers

This course features expert faculty from neurology and related disciplines who present current and practical neurology topics for non-specialists. Sessions are led by neurologists, neuro-oncologists, emergency clinicians, and APPs with extensive clinical and educational experience. Participation by multidisciplinary faculty supports comprehensive clinical learning and skill development.

Target Audience

• Specialty Physicians
• Primary Care Physicians
• Advanced Practice Providers (PA and NP)
• Psychiatrists

Why This Topic Matters

Harvard Neurology for the Non-Neurologist 2024 addresses the need for updated neurology knowledge among clinicians outside of neurology to improve patient evaluation and management. Neurology intersects multiple specialties, and accurate diagnosis and treatment depend on a clear understanding of neurological principles and presentations.

This course offers clinically relevant education that strengthens expertise in diagnosing and managing neurological conditions, facilitated through MedHub Central’s on-demand platform. It supports non-neurologists in confidently addressing neurological concerns encountered in various practice settings.