Global imperatives and challenges facing the practice of neurology.

The change in the practice of neurology from a diagnostic to a therapeutic specialty has empowered neurologists to make increasingly important decisions and recommendations for patients. With better understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment has come the need to focus on disease prevention and the avoidance of treatment side effects. An increasingly automated and mechanized health care system has challenged us to integrate vast amounts of data that have a direct effect on patient risks and treatment, and to develop systems that avoid medical errors and allocate resources appropriately. It is imperative that we reaffirm the wisdom of clinical experience and judgment to inform our use of new technologies lest we lose the art of listening to and caring for the patient.