A Long Road to Neurosurgery
It takes a lot of years going to school, gaining expertise and precision in this high demanding medical field. In this guide, we discuss the necessary steps and educational milestones needed to become a neurosurgeon.
Undergraduate Education
Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree
In fact, the path to becoming a neurosurgeon starts with a bachelor's degree that typically takes four years. Would-be neurosurgeons tend to choose one of the pre-med disciplines like biology, chemistry or physics. During this period the idea is to gain a really good grounding in the natural sciences, as well as take some math and general education courses.
Medical School
Step 2: Medical Degree
Afterwards, they must go to medical school, which typically requires another four years of education. The first half of med school is primarily classroom and laboratory instruction in more advanced subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and physiology. The last 2 years consist of clinical rotations in different medical specialties.
Residency Training
Step 3: Neurosurgery Training (Fellowship)
Post-medical school, a neurosurgeon-to-be embarks on a Neurosurgery Residency, where most of the training in fine tuning occurs. Neurosurgery residency is also notorious for its duration, usually lasting seven years. Residents are exposed to an extensive experience in all types of neurosurgical procedures, from basic neurology to complex operative surgery.
Fellowship
Step one (optional): Subspecialty Fellowship
Neurosurgeons have the option to sub-specialize by completing a fellowship, which can last one or two years. Fellowships give neurosurgeons an opportunity to specialize in an area such as pediatric neurosurgery, surgery spine or neuro-oncology improving their knowledge and skills within that niche.
Board Certification
Final Step: Certification
Once their residency is over, neurosurgeons must become board certified through the American Board of Neurological Surgery. This is done by taking an apparently very difficult exam that judges the applicant on his or her neurosurgical knowledge and abilities. This certification must be re-earned each year through continuous education and recertification.
Conclusion
You need to undergo 15 years of post-secondary education and training if you want to become a neurosurgeon. All of this training is to eventually prepare the neurosurgeon for the intricacies and difficulties of brain- and spinal surgery, which inherently leads to better patient recoveries at the end of the day.
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