Becoming a neurologist is one of the most competitive professions in the medical field. It’s a rigorous and demanding one that usually requires years of study. In fact, according to Statista, as of May 2021, the annual wage of neurologists employed in the United States ranged from around 105.8 thousand U.S. dollars per year to around 345.1 thousand U.S. dollars per year, by state. Then an internship or residency and three to seven years of post-residency training. It’s also one that only four people graduate from every year. Suppose you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a neurologist. His guide from Ruham Nasany can help you start your journey.
1. Who Is A Neurologist?
Neurologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders. Mostly affecting the brain and spinal cord. They also treat peripheral nervous system conditions. including all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
The neurology doctor has to be a very smart and intelligent person. Neurologists are always the first ones to do the right things. Moreover, they ensure that the patients can return to their peak without problems.
- Neurologists conduct tests to determine the health of nerves and muscles throughout the body.
- They can prescribe medications to treat symptoms caused by certain neurological diseases. Such as Parkinson’s disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
- They may also refer patients to other specialists. If they believe that the patient could use more diagnostic tests or treatments.
2. The Role of A Neurologist
Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions such as strokes, brain tumors and epilepsy. They also specialize in treating neurological disorders. Such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and dementia symptoms. Neurologists have a broad range of responsibilities, which include:
- Diagnosing and treating nervous system diseases and disorders.
- Developing diagnostic tests for neurological disorders.
- Performing surgery to treat neurological disorders or remove tumors from the brain or spinal cord.
- Teaching other physicians about neurology.
- Formulating treatment plans for patients with neurological disorders.
3. Specialities
Neurologists are doctors who specialize in treating disorders that affect the nervous system. They are in private and public practices and hospitals. As well as at universities and research centers. Neurologists have many different subspecialties to choose from. The following are some of the more common subspecialties given by Ruham Nasany:
- Epilepsy: Determines if seizures can be treated with medication or surgery.
- Neuropathology: Examines brain tissue and determines what causes Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Stroke rehabilitation: Helps patients recover from strokes by teaching them how to use their arms and legs again.
- Neuroimaging: Uses imaging tools to diagnose conditions such as brain tumors.
4. Educational Requirements
To become a neurologist, you’ll need to have completed both undergraduate and medical school. You’ll need to earn at least an M.D. degree and complete residencies in internal medicine and neurology. Which includes clinical practice and research training.
An MD is a minimum requirement for becoming a neurologist. Most physicians go on to specialize in extra training in neuroscience. Most neurologists have completed post-graduate work in clinical neurophysiology and clinical neuropsychology.
Once you complete your residency. You can apply for board certification through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). This is the standard way to become a board-certified neurologist in the United States. In short, to become a neurologist, you need:
- A medical degree from an accredited school of medicine.
- An internship in an approved hospital or residency program.
- A license to practice medicine can be obtained through a credentialing board.
5. Skills Required
Neurology is a specialty that requires you to understand the brain, its structure and functions, and the nervous system. You will need to know intimately about human anatomy, the body’s physiology, and how it relates to neurological disorders.
- Medical training – You will need a medical degree to practice medicine.
- Neurological anatomy – Understanding of how the brain works.
- Neurological surgery – Neurological surgery involves removing parts of the nervous system.
- Neuroimaging – Neurologists use imaging tests.
Neurologists spend most of their time in hospitals or clinics. But they may also provide services at home or in an outpatient clinic. Neurologists are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and provide services on a walk-in basis whenever possible.
The Bottom Line
There’s a lot to learn if you want to be a neurologist. They are some of the most dedicated and hardworking people in medicine. Meaning that anyone can become one with hard work and dedication. This guide from Ruham Nasany will help you study the right way, be an effective doctor, and make it to the top! We are certain that this guide has given you advice on becoming a neurologist. So, apply and study hard so you can become a top neurologist.
