Valuable Lesson in a Hard Way
The route to arrive as a cardiothoracic surgeon is easily among the most difficult in any medical field, not only due to length of time but because of the rigorousness of the academic regimine. Neurosurgeons are required to spend years in education and training that gives them experience for performing surgeries on the brain, spine, or nervous system.
Timeline Of Study
Neurosurgeon universities training involves earning an undergraduate degree. During four years of this phase, the specifics major are unimportant; however a typical track includes earning a degree in biology or chemistry gradually parallel to pre-medical sciences to prepare for medical school.
Then students go on to Medical School for 4 more years. While the first two years in medical school are largely classroom-based and concentrate on basic medical sciences, the final two years give students practical experience through clinical rotations across a variety of medical disciplines.
The Core of Neurosurgical Training: Residency
Neurosurgery residency – after med school, an excruciatingly long, demanding path. This training period is typically seven years long for the neurosurgical residency. Residents are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical procedures of neurological disorders over the course of this time.
Main article: Neurological surgery#SpecializationIn addition to general neurosurgery, sub-specialties may also be considered. Fellowships in these sub-specialties can further extend their training by one to two years.
Licensing and Ongoing Education
After graduating from residency, neurosurgeons must get a state medical license by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). In addition, Board Certification via the American Board of Neurological Surgery – with both written and oral exam passage required – is highly encouraged and often helps you further in your career.
For the rest of their professional career, neurosurgeons must study how to keep abreast of current developments in the area, even after entering practice. This continuous learning also means that they should participate in workshops, conferences and extra courses related to their education during their careers.
Strategic Tips for the Neurosurgery Novice
To those planning to break into this elite profession, you have to be prepared for years of education and have the resilience and work ethic to match. If potential neurosurgeons volunteer under a good mentorship, conduct research and start clinical work earlier instead of later this field will reveal itself to them completely, allowing the medical students a way to “stay” in the intensive environment of surgery and hopefully be better suited for tough competition out there.
If you want to know more about the time this takes and some of these difficulties during the course of a neurosurgery student, check out our detailed guide on how many neurosurgeon study years.
Understanding the MANY years of schooling and training it takes to become a neurosurgeon will help men and women transitioning into this field be prepared to compete for a job that should earn you a good salary in exchange for all those hours studying!