Have you ever wished to see a human brain because you feel fascinated with the inner working of this organ? It is the most important organ of a body and the central point of the nervous system that governs the basic as well as complex functioning of all the other organs. And vital as it is, it also has the reputation of being the most complex organ which is why the career of a neurosurgeon is arguably more challenging than other medical practitioners. Hence, just degrees are not enough. If you hold an immense interest in a surgical career and have the ability to thrive in an extremely high-pressure environment and can endure long years of rigorous training, neurosurgery is then, the ultimate field for you. As a neurosurgeon, you should be available at all hours for emergencies. Neurosurgeons must have excellent critical thinking and analytical abilities, plus top surgical skills, optimal dexterity and the ability to perform delicate surgeries. You should also be extremely calm, composed and collected when faced with extreme pressure.
Eligibility
To become a neurosurgeon, you must choose Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math as the core subjects. Neurosurgeons must complete four years of medical school, one year of internship and six years of residency training. After medical school, prospective neurosurgeons must complete internship and residency training in neurosurgery. All potential neurosurgeons must be licensed. Licensing requirements include graduation from medical school, completion of internship and residency training and clearing a written examination. Getting a board certification in neurosurgery is also a must and involves taking a rigorous professional test.
Skills Required
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Excellence and passion for science from the beginning.
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Mental and physical stamina to endure the long working hours and the stress that comes with brain disorders and treatments.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be able to communicate with, relate to and counsel the patients and their families.
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Emotional strength, maturity and empathy are a must to understand the demands, impatience and apprehension of patients and fellow colleagues.
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Proficiency in neurological medicine.
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Good concentration skills coupled with decisiveness and passion for the work can take you a long way ahead.
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Accurate diagnostic skills are also a must to avoid fatal errors like misdiagnosis and faulty medications.
Roles And Responsibilities
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A neurosurgeon speaks to the patients and asks questions in order to collect information about the patients’ medical history, current condition and family medical history. Following this, s/he uses a variety of standard assessments to determine what's going on with the patients.
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After receiving the results of the tests, neurosurgeons use the information to form a diagnosis. When the diagnosis is formed, they refer the patient to other doctors who can confirm the diagnosis and work with them in treating the patient. The diagnosis allows the doctor and other medical staff in creating a treatment plan.
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Each neurology patient is given an individualised treatment plan once the neurologist forms a diagnosis. While many neurological disorders cannot be cured completely, they can be treated or stopped where they are. The neurosurgeons enlist the assistance of other medical personnel, such as physical therapists, hearing specialists and occupational therapists, to help with the treatment of neurological patients. In addition to prescribing different therapies to assist the patient with mobility and other issues directly related to their condition, a neurosurgeon also prescribes medicines that help control or reduce some of the patient's symptoms.
Career Prospects
Job prospects seem very good especially for neurosurgeons with extensive experience and specialty training. The financial rewards received are always great if you can deal with the high-risk and stress of the field.
If you think you have excellent critical thinking and analytical abilities, can study with all your concentration and are idealistic about saving lives rather than on the big bucks you would make, then the doors of neurosurgery are waiting for you to open.
