Clinical Neurophysiology offers an exciting and varied career within the neurosciences for those interested in combining considerable patient contact with technical skills. It is primarily a diagnostic speciality concerned with recording electrical activity from the nervous system to aid the diagnosis, classification and management of neurological disease. Increasingly neurophysiological techniques are used to identify surgically remediable conditions such as nerve entrapments and aid safer surgical interventions. Electroencephalography is used to classify seizure disorders and select patients for surgical amelioration of epilepsy.

The work involves interaction with a wide range of specialities, including Neurology, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology and Psychiatry, and environments that include theatre and intensive care. Most Clinical Neurophysiologists work in Regional Neuroscience Centres. As well having as general responsibilities many develop subspecialty interests, such as in the work-up of patients for epilepsy surgery, specialised neuromuscular disease or theatre work. For those with more academic interests the speciality also lends itself to clinical and basic science research.

In the UK Clinical Neurophysiology is a specialty in its own right, though with close links to Neurology. With Foundation competencies Trainees may apply to enter a run-through training scheme, normally in Medicine. After successful completion of two years of Core Medical Training (or Core Neurological Training, the Acute Common Care Stem or Core Paediatric Training) and the acquisition of MRCP or MRCPaeds interested candidates may apply for allocation into Specialty Training in Clinical Neurophysiology. Specialty Training lasts four years and is well supported regionally and nationally through the SAC and professional organisations for both Consultants and specialist registrars. With limited on-call commitments the speciality permits a more sensible balance between work and outside interests than most other specialities. At present there are excellent recruitment opportunities for those interested in joining the speciality.

Further information about training can be obtained from the Chairman of the SAC in Clinical Neurophysiology or the President of the Association of British Trainee Clinical Neurophysiologists (please contact the JRCPTB for details).