Boost Neurology Dept Efficiency with Effective Vice Chair Roles

WATCH TIME: 3 minutes

"The role of vice chair has evolved from being purely advisory to one that actively advances the chair’s vision while staying closely connected with faculty and staff."

There are several different roles in neurology education, including department chairs, vice chair, program directors, clerkship directors, education committees & faculty, and women leaders & diversity roles. Typically, department chairs, or the academic leaders, ensures that training programs are aligned with institutional goals, accreditation standards, and workforce needs. The vice chair, often second-in-command, is tasked with supervising program directors, ensuring ACGME accreditation compliance, overseeing curriculum innovation, and acting as the liaison between the chair and educational leadership.

The evolution of these roles will be discussed in more depth at the 2025 Association of University Professors of Neurology (AUPN) Annual Meeting, held September 13th in Baltimore, Maryland. With a rich array of educational sessions, the meeting promises attendees the latest knowledge, insights, and strategies to excel in their roles. Among the attendees is Muhammad “Mud” Alvi, MD, vice chair of neurology and medical director of the Stroke Program at West Virginia University.

Prior to the meeting, Alvi sat down to discuss the challenges facing academic neurology departments and the evolving role of leadership. In the interview, he emphasized ongoing struggles with recruitment and retention of both faculty and staff, timely access to care, and addressing burnout, all while maintaining strong research and education missions. Furthermore, Alvi reflected on the growing importance of vice chairs in neurology, describing the ways the position has shifted from a primarily advisory role to one with delegated responsibilities that advance departmental goals and foster faculty engagement.