Becoming a neurosurgeon, or brain surgeon, is one of the most challenging career paths due to its length and complexity. It includes not only years of hard academic training like most conventional paths but also hands on experience in neuroscience across the board. Here we learn about the steps to becoming a surgeon (sort of ) and markets are hours spend at each stage.
Undergraduate Education
Duration: 4 Years
The first step to becoming a brain surgeon is gaining your bachelor’s degree. Most students who want to be neurosurgeons major in a science field such as biology, chemistry, physics or they major in a pre-med program. This is important knowledge as it’s intended to serve as a basis for MCAT and medical school work.
Medical School
Duration: 4 Years
This is followed by medical school upon completion of an undergraduate degree. This is the site of a four-year medical school, where students start their formal medical education. Over four years, students begin with two years of intensive classroom and laboratory instruction in advanced science and medical courses whereas their final two years are spent in clinical rotations of up to a dozen different specialties within the realm of medicine ranging from surgery.
Residency
Duration: 6-8 Years
After completing their medical degree, graduates must train in a residency program specializing in neurosurgery. That phase, which is the most important and the longest during training, varies from six to eight years. In a residency program, you will receive specialized training directly under the guidance of experienced neurosurgeons and learn how to perform everything from basic neurosurgical surgeries to intricate brain surgeries.
Fellowship (Optional)
Duration: 1-2 Years
Although recommended, some neurosurgeons do not seek further specialization and graduate after their residency training. A Surgical Fellowship that is a year in duration AFTER completing the above is also recommended and can be tailored to a focus i.e. Pediatric Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery or Neuro-Oncology. Fellowships generally take one to two years.
Continuous Learning & Certification
All of this before a neurosurgeon is set loose to practice on their own and still must continue the learning process for life as medical technology and surgical techniques are constantly evolving. As with other dentists, orthodontists must be licensed to practice and must have passed written and oral exams beyond earning their D.D.S. or D.M.D. Additionally, neurosurgeons frequently go to conferences, meet workshops and read current research articles to always improve their skills.
In all, the path to become a neurosurgeon can require 14-16 years of prep after high school study (not to mention additional education and specialization). To find out more, take a look at our featured post on how many years does it take to be a brain surgeon.
The pursuit of a brain surgery career is no light work; it demands an immense effort on your part both personally and professionally. The individual who takes this space retains a love for others, other environments and the mysterious brain of mankind. Although the training life for a neurologist may be tough and long, the joy of service to mankind in saving thousands of lives and changing the course of neurological health is extremely gratifying.