Neurosurgery

What is Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery, also known as neurological surgery is defined as the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, central and peripheral nervous system, and cerebrovascular system.

Education Pathway:

As anyone who is aspiring to have a job in the medical profession, one will first need to graduate from high school. From there, attending a college or university in order to receive a bachelor’s degree, specifically a BS - Bachelor of Science. It is typical for those who plan on having a medical profession to major in biology. Additionally, taking biochemistry, anatomy, organic chemistry, and genetics. During undergraduate, you’ll also want to apply to medical internships and prepare for the MCAT. The MCAT is the Medical College Admission Exam, it is a 7.5 hour test and the highest possible score is 528 points. It is essential to do well on the MCAT in order to get into reputable medical schools. The MCAT consists of sections regarding Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. The next step is medical school. Medical school includes learning about structure and functions of the body, diseases, diagnosis and treatment. In addition, learning how to take medical histories and clinical training including hand on experience. From medical school, one will obtain a Doctor of Medicine degree then go on to obtaining a medical license. To obtain a medical license one needs to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). There are three parts to the exam, the first part covers basic medical principles and is taken before your third year of medical school. The second part covers clinical diagnosis and disease development taken during your fourth year of medical school. Lastly, the third part covers clinical management and assesses the doctor’s ability to practice medicine safely and effectively, which is taken as your final part of residency. Next, to become a neurosurgeon one must complete a one year internship in general surgery in addition to five to seven years in a neurosurgery residency program. If wanting to specialize in a particular area of neurosurgery, some then complete fellowships. That’s the general basis to becoming a neurosurgeon!

Salary:

Though salary is dependent on state, experience, and much more, the average salary of a neurosurgeon is $616,823. Although, it can range from $326,176 all the way up to $1 million. However, it is important not to go into a specialty based on it’s salary!

Subspecialties:

A general neurosurgeon, as noted before, completes a one year internship in general surgery followed by a five to seven year residency. There is an option to complete a fellowship afterwards for the subspecialties below.

Pediatric Neurosurgery: A pediatric neurosurgeon is in charge of diagnosing and treating nervous system problems and head or spinal deformities in children. This specialty requires the general neurosurgeon training mentioned before, as well as a one year pediatric neurosurgery fellowship.

Endovascular and Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery: Endovascular and cerebrovascular neurosurgeons treat issues with the blood vessels of the brain or spine and spinal cord using open or minimally invasive surgical approaches. The damaged blood vessels can lead to circulation problems and bleeding causing strokes, headaches, and more. This requires a one year fellowship in endovascular and cerebrovascular neurosurgery.

Functional Neurosurgery: Functional neurosurgery is based on restoring neurological condition and function. Functional neurosurgeons work with patients who have neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and more. Becoming a functional neurosurgeon requires the general training of a neurosurgeon and a one year functional neurosurgery fellowship.

Skull-Base Surgery: A skull base surgeon performs surgery to remove a tumor growth present at the base of the skull. They use unique instruments which are inserted in the natural openings of the skull instead of actually opening the skull. Becoming a skull-base surgeon requires a one to two year fellowship in skull-base surgery.

Spinal Surgery: A neuro spinal surgeon specializes in diagnosing and surgically treating disorders in the spine or spinal cord. This could include tumors, trauma, infections, degenerative diseases, and more. Becoming a spinal surgeon requires a one year spinal surgery fellowship.

What can you do as a neurosurgeon:

Most neurosurgeons work in either public or private hospitals. They also can work at clinics, special surgery centers, or other healthcare facilities. Additionally, neurosurgeons can work at a private practice or in academics by researching in the lab/working for a university. As for what the typical day of a neurosurgeon consists of, a neurosurgeon usually spends a day performing multiple surgeries a day ranging from short straightforward surgeries to complex hour long surgeries. Other than performing surgeries, a neurosurgeon will examine, conduct tests/scans, and evaluate the next step in treatment and diagnosis for a patient. Some common things a neurosurgeon treats are aneurysms, blocked arteries, tumors in the brain or spinal cord, trauma to the brain or spine, birth defects, peripheral nerve issues, chronic low-back pain, spinal conditions, and overall injuries to the head, neck, or spine.

Things to consider:

The first thing to consider when becoming a neurosurgeon is the challenge and length of the path to becoming one. Medical school in addition to internships, residency, and possibly a fellowship is both a lot of time and requires lots of hard work. Also, being skilled in performing tasks especially with the hands. Similar to having dexterity, it is important as any type of surgeon to be understanding and empathetic since you will be working with people who are likely suffering. Being a neurosurgeon is both physically and emotionally challenging. Also, to have physical stamina for the hour long brain surgeries is essential. Lastly, it is important to have a love for science and for neurology as it would be a significant part of your life!

Sources:

Darmody, J. (2017, December 05). What you need to know about becoming a neurosurgeon. Retrieved January 23, 2021, from https://www.siliconrepublic.com/advice/neurosurgeon-brain-surgery-medtech

Neurologist vs. Neurosurgeon: What You Should Know. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2021, from https://www.dignityhealth.org/articles/neurologist-vs-neurosurgeon-what-you-should-know

What is a Neurosurgeon? (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2021, from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/highland/departments-centers/neurosurgery/what-is-a-neurosurgeon.aspx

Neurosurgery. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2021, from https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/surgery/neurosurgery

Endovascular and Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2021, from https://phuscmg.org/specialties/neuroscience/neurosurgery/endovascular