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Before even getting to the medical parts of a surgeon's field,
there are several things future surgeons should consider. For example,
you must be comfortable interacting with people and listening
carefully to what patients say. You must also be prepared to
take action, be good at problem-solving, and have physical stamina.
Since neurology is so detailed, the amount of education you need is extensive:
STEP ONE: OBTAIN AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
To improve your chances of getting into a medical school, try to incorporate one (or all!) of the following:
- JOB SHADOWING: Job shadowing allows you to observe and analyze your perspective in the medical field. You will also obtain practical experience to include in a resume and medical school application.
- VOLUNTEERING: Being active in your local community can give you an advantage over other candidates; having a high-grade point average might not be enough to get to impress universities.
- LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Neurosurgeons work with many non-English speakers. Having the fluency to work smoothly with non-fluent patients will help you stand out against other candidates.
Gorodenkoff. Medical Team Performing Surgical Operation in Modern Operating Room.
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/medical-team-performing-surgical-operation-in-modern-operating-room-gm864573868-144107305.
STEP TWO: TAKE THE MCAT AND APPLY TO MEDICAL SCHOOLS
Potential medical school students are required to take the MCAT® (Medical College Admission Test) to tell universities how much you know and what skills you’ve achieved during your undergraduate program. If you want an admissions interview, you must have at least a minimum score; admission is highly competitive, so taking a study course is recommended.
STEP THREE: ATTEND MEDICAL SCHOOLS AND OBTAIN A MEDICAL DEGREE
Once you’re in medical school, you’ll (traditionally) take four years of a medical curriculum.
The curriculum is general and consists of medical classes intended to give you an overview
of the content.
Medical schools also give future neurosurgeons the opportunity to choose courses that give an
overview of surgical expertise. Interacting with patients exposes you to real-life situations
(all completed under the trained eye of a neurologist).
STEP FOUR: COMPLETE AN INTERNSHIP OR NEUROSURGICAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM
To apply everything you’ve learned in medical school, you can complete an internship. A hands-on
experience prepares you for neurology specialization to a greater extent.
Here are some areas in expertise the internship program can offer:
- Managing patients
- Staying updated in the latest developments in neurology
Wavebreakmedia. Female surgeon wearing surgical mask on in operating room at hospital.
https://www.hiacode.com/education/endarterectomy-during-coronary-artery-bypass/attachment/female-surgeon-wearing-surgical-mask-on-in-operating-room-at-hospital/.
STEP FIVE: GET BOARD CERTIFIED AND STATE-LICENSED
To become licensed as a medical doctor, you must be fully state-licensed and board-certified.
Like the MCAT, it assesses your ability to apply principles and concepts to actual practice.
You must:
- Take the test through the United States Medical Licensing Examination organization (USMLE), with a three-step process sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
STEP SIX: CONTINUE EDUCATION
Continuing education allows you to easily renew your state license and board certification (both have
to be periodically updated).
Alternatively, you can attend classes and seminars offered by various medical associations and
schools. There are local, state, and national medical organizations all over the country.