Development of an Educational Curriculum for the Surgical Implantation of DBS Systems

Authors

• David Bieber
• Rany T Abdallah
• Alaa Ab-Elsayed
• Adam R Burkey
• Dario J Englot
• Kunal Gupta
• Charles N Munyon
• Casey H Halpern
• Kai J Miller
• Joshua M Rosenow
• Ahmed M Raslan
• Konstantin V Slavin
• Jennifer A Sweet
• Sameer Sheth
• Nestor Tomycz
• Ashwin Viswanathan
• Chengyuan Wu
• Jeffrey S Raskin

Language

English

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Journal

Neuromodulation

DOI

10.1016/j.neurom.2026.04.014

PMID

42233936

Abstract

Background: Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) systems are implanted for movement disorders, epilepsy, and psychiatric conditions. Neurologic surgery remains the only discipline credentialed to implant DBS devices, although significant practice variation exists, partly due to heterogeneous training. The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) education committee offers a granular recommendation for the progression of an early learner through the practitioner level. It is contextualized within the six-core competency rubric for the surgical implantation of DBS devices.

Materials and methods: Guided by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies, a subcommittee of the NANS education committee met virtually and in-person over two years to develop a curriculum. The subcommittee used a consensus approach and an evidence-based development strategy; once completed, the NANS board approved the DBS curriculum.

Results: The DBS curriculum was developed for implanting surgeons and neurosurgical trainees. The table was vertically oriented into the six ACGME educational core competencies. A horizontal progression across 57 competencies defines expected skills for early learners, advanced learners, and independent practitioners.

Conclusions: DBS devices are implanted by neurologic surgeons; education variability in acquired surgical skills and judgment may influence practice variation. This DBS curriculum presents consensus recommendations for competency progression within the six core competencies of the ACGME.

Keywords

Deep Brain Stimulation, Humans, Curriculum, Clinical Competence, Education, Medical, Graduate, Neurosurgical Procedures, Curriculum, deep brain stimulation, education, learners, neuromodulation

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Bieber, David; Abdallah, Rany T; Ab-Elsayed, Alaa; et al., "Development of an Educational Curriculum for the Surgical Implantation of DBS Systems" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 7295.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/7295