The UK faces a major neurology workforce challenge. But how do we develop the clinical and academic leaders needed to build services for the future?

In this episode of Neurovoices, ACNR Publisher Rachael Hansford speaks with Neil Robertson, President of the Association of British Neurologists, about the workforce pressures facing UK neurology and how ABN clinical fellowships aim to support the next generation of leaders.

The ABN workforce report highlights the scale of the challenge facing neurology services. The UK currently has around 1.6 whole-time equivalent consultant neurologists per 100,000 population, far below the European average. But the issue is not simply one of numbers: modern neurology services are increasingly complex, multidisciplinary, and shaped by rapidly advancing therapies.

In this conversation, Professor Robertson explains why reliable workforce data has been difficult to obtain, why counting whole-time equivalents rather than headcount is critical for service planning, and how the ABN hopes improved data will support stronger business cases for neurology services across the UK.

The discussion also explores wider issues affecting the specialty, including:

• increasing consultant workload and changing working patterns
• the growing importance of multidisciplinary teams in neurological care
• the decline in academic neurology and higher research degrees
• the challenge of fitting subspecialisation into a shortened training curriculum

Against this backdrop, ABN clinical fellowships are designed to identify and support talented clinicians early in their careers, helping to develop the academic, clinical and leadership skills needed to shape the future of neurology.

As Professor Robertson notes, some of the most successful neurological services have been built by individual clinicians who combine patient advocacy with system leadership. These fellowships aim to nurture exactly those future “enthusiologists” - clinicians who will champion better neurological services for patients in the years ahead.

Host: Rachael Hansford

Guests: Dr Amy Ross Russell and Dr Rhian Raftopoulos

Length: Approx. 41 minutes

In this follow-up to their 2020 article for ACNR, Dr Amy Ross Russell (Southampton and Queen Square) and Dr Rhian Raftopoulos (King’s College Hospital) reflect on their experiences of working less than full time (LTFT) through training and into consultancy. They revisit the personal, professional, and systemic changes that have shaped flexible working in neurology – and offer practical insights for anyone considering or navigating LTFT working.

Topics include the rise in LTFT working, gender disparities, rota challenges, work-life boundaries, email overload, and the emotional tension of wearing dual hats as clinician and parent. Both clinicians share honest advice, useful statistics, and compassionate perspectives on building a sustainable career in neurology.

Dr Amy Ross Russell is a new consultant neurologist in Southampton and at Queen Square, London, with a strong interest in supporting flexible working.

Dr Rhian Raftopoulos is a consultant neurologist at King’s College Hospital, London, specialising in neuroinflammatory disorders. She has worked less than full time since 2017.

00:00 – Introductions and background to the episode

01:41 – Has LTFT working increased since 2018?

03:59 – Is flexible working still gender-skewed?

04:43 – Reasons for going LTFT and expectations at the time

07:00 – Policy changes: no longer needing a reason to go LTFT

07:46 – Key challenges of LTFT training and consultancy

12:20 – Did LTFT really help work-life balance?

14:03 – Specialty differences and the male perspective

17:00 – Role of partners and importance of reliable childcare

21:06 – Changing perceptions: how colleagues view LTFT now

26:01 – Has consultancy made flexible working easier?

29:02 – Practical advice for choosing working patterns

31:39 – Consultant responsibilities and workload realities

31:47 – Final advice for trainees: know your rights, be kind to yourself

36:40 – Would they choose LTFT again? (spoiler: yes!)

37:00 – Has it changed how they mentor?

39:33 – The future of medical work: toward flexibility for all

• Original 2020 ACNR article: “Working less than full time”
• ABN workforce census (2020)
• BMA: Flexible Training Guidance
• Join the ACNR forums to discuss this episode

Host & Producer: Rachael Hansford

Podcast by: ACNR – Advancing Clinical Neuroscience & Rehabilitation

Visit: www.acnr.co.uk

Duration: 15 minutes

Guests: Richard Davenport (Outgoing President, ABN) and Neil Robertson (Incoming President, ABN)

Host: Rachael Hansford, ACNR

Recorded at: ABN Annual Conference, Liverpool, May 2025

In this handover conversation, recorded live at the ABN’s 2025 Annual Conference in Liverpool, outgoing president Richard Davenport sits down with incoming president Neil Robertson to reflect on a turbulent but transformative few years for the Association of British Neurologists.

Together, they discuss:

• The unexpected financial and staffing challenges tackled during Richard’s term
• The role of the ABN office and the impact of appointing a new Executive Director
• Membership growth and the importance of understanding why 30% of UK neurologists remain outside the organisation
• Securing a long-awaited agreement with official journal Practical Neurology
• The evolving structure of the ABN, and how it can better support its officers and members
• The importance of protecting and promoting academic neurology in the UK

Neil also outlines his priorities as President – from clearer governance and council roles to making ABN membership more accessible, relevant and rewarding.

Whether you're an ABN member or simply interested in the leadership of professional medical organisations, this episode offers a candid and collegial look behind the scenes.

👉 Join the conversation: Continue the discussion with your peers in our online forum at https://forums.acnr.co.uk

Download the transcript

Interview with Emily Linnemann, Executive Director of the ABN

Host: Rachael Hansford, ACNR Publisher
Guest: Emily Linnemann, Executive Director of the Association of British Neurologists (ABN)

Episode Overview:

In this short interview recorded at the ABN conference in Edinburgh at the end of May, Rachael Hansford interviews Emily Linnemann. Emily has recently taken on the role of Executive Director at the Association of British Neurologists (ABN).

Join us for a conversation that explores the future of the ABN, the importance of community, and the impact of climate change on neurological health.