Social Network Analysis of Presidents in Neurology Professional Organizations Since 1948 (P1.298)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the professional ties and groupings of presidents of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Neurological Association (ANA) since 1948. BACKGROUND: There has been little empirical research on leadership in neurology. This study provides a 60-year analysis of neurology leadership networks using social network analysis. The aim is to 1) map the professional ties of presidents in the AAN and ANA, 2) identify core groups of presidents, training programs (residency and fellowship), and institutions of employment at time of presidency, and 3) analyze how these ties and core groups differ in the AAN and ANA subsets. DESIGN/METHODS: We collected archived data of the ANA and AAN presidents through historical volumes about the organizations, obituaries, online professional biographies, and curriculum vitae. We constructed separate and combined AAN and ANA network matrices of the presidents, institutions of employment, and training programs. We analyzed the data using a two-mode network approach with measures of node, dyad, and network characteristics. RESULTS: There were a group of 10 presidents who bridged both organizations, and therefore had the highest centrality in the combined network. Presidents trained in a core group of similar residency and fellowship programs that included Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, and Mayo Clinic for AAN presidents and Harvard, Columbia, Yale, and University College London for ANA presidents. In contrast, presidents were employed in a diffuse set of institutions without a core group in either the AAN or ANA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that training programs are leadership hubs, and should be targeted by those interested in leadership development to influence future trends in neurology political power.

Disclosure: Dr. Harp has nothing to disclose. Dr. Borgatti has nothing to disclose.