Opinion & Special Articles: Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit

The mobile stroke treatment unit (MSTU) elective offers a novel immersive experience that exposes neurology trainees to acute stroke care in the prehospital setting. Unlike traditional inpatient or emergency department rotations, residents on the MSTU are dispatched to suspected stroke patients and are able to participate in the initial evaluation and treatment of stroke in the field, gaining critical skills that can translate into providing more effective stroke care in the hospital. By working alongside emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, trainees can develop a better understanding and appreciation for prehospital systems of care and socioeconomic factors that influence patient outcomes. Currently, only a few neurology residency programs operate a MSTU at their institution, and even fewer offer a dedicated MSTU rotation. Given the critical role that EMS prehospital response plays in stroke systems of care, providing residents with exposure to an MSTU in residency through a dedicated elective rotation can aid in bridging the gap between theory and practice while enriching their educational experience and improving overall patient care.