Abstract: This essay presents a general introduction of the evolution of the National Neurology Key Discipline and the great academic heritage inherited from the Capital Medical University in 50 years. The introduction emphasizes revolutionary and leap-style progresses that the National Neurology Key Discipline of Capital Medical University has made during the past decade in three major fields as follow: scientific research, clinical medicine and personnel training. The history of the National Neurology Key Discipline can be divided into three stages: from 1978 to 1988, a solid foundation was laid to make a substantial beginning; from 1988 to 1998, a quick development was realized in the crucial period; from 1998 to 2008, academic and clinical ambitions were achieved on the basis of profound accumulation and quick development. In conclusion, the National Neurology Key Discipline has made a series of achievements in the three areas of medicine, research and education, and it holds a leading position in neurology field due to the staffs’ excellent performance, science-leading orientation, and clinical expertise. The National Neurology Key Discipline relies on well-known specialists, it also built a firstclass medical team with three generations of the old, middle-aged and young talents, and therefore it has the capacity to provides high quality medical service for the society. The National Neurology Key Discipline attaches great importance to talent training so as to build a well-structured talent echelon, and thus sustainable development could be maintained. Since the establishment of the Capital Medical University fifty years ago, the Neurology Department of Xuanwu Hospital has developed from an unknown department to a nationwide wellknown neurology department, from an average medical unit to the National Neurology Key Discipline, during the course of the development, a unique spirit of inheritance and promotion has been formed, and a distinctive academic culture has been cultivated in the department. The National Neurology Key Discipline will stride forward to a higher goal.

Key words: National Key Discipline, Neurology department, research, clinical, professionals, development