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CreativeDominant -> RE: This guy should have his brain checked (6/5/2014 3:25:38 PM)
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Yep...skilled hands is all it takes.
Neurology concerns the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders and injuries of the brain, nervous system and spinal cord. Neurological surgeons--or neurosurgeons--perform surgical procedures to treat these issues. There are no degrees which focus exclusively on neurosurgery. Students wishing to specialize in neurosurgery must first complete a medical degree, then a neurosurgical residency, where they are trained by experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons. In all, it takes about 11 years of post-graduate study and clinical training to become a neurosurgeon.
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Medical School
A Doctor of Medicine (MD) program takes four years of full-time study to complete. The first two years of any medical school program focus on classroom instruction. In the last two years, curriculum combines clinical practice (called clerkships) with classroom studies. Clinical clerkships must be completed in a variety of specializations, including neurology. Medical students may have to complete a short internship and then transition to residency course during their final year.
Educational Prerequisites
Most medical schools have a stringent admissions process. Prospective medical students must submit transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, a completed medical school application, letters of recommendation and a personal essay. The admissions office generally considers undergraduate grade point averages, work experience, extracurricular activities and relevant prerequisite coursework. Applicants who are selected for possible acceptance must undergo an interview.
Program Coursework
An MD program covers many aspects of medicine in addition to studies of the human body. Typical classes in a medical school curriculum include:
Anatomy and physiology
Human genetics
Neuroscience
Hematology
Obstetrics and gynecology
Inpatient medicine
Immunology
Medical ethics
Psychiatry
Disease biology
Continuing Education
Graduates of medical school usually continue on to a surgical internship, followed by a residency in their area of interest. Doctors interested in being trained in neurosurgery can apply to teaching hospitals that offer neurosurgical residency programs. Candidates for residency can expect heavy competition, since most residency programs only have a few openings each year.
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Neurosurgical Residency
To become a neurosurgeon, a doctor must complete a rigorous 7-year residency program after medical school. Neurosurgical residents move up through the ranks to become chief residents their final year. Residents who successfully complete the program become full-fledged neurosurgeons.
Educational Prerequisites
To enter a residency, candidates must have a medical degree from an accredited U.S. medical school. A candidate's academic and clinical performance in medical school is considered. Completion of the United States Medical Licensing Exam or equivalent is also required. Residency candidates must complete a surgical internship prior to applying for the residency program. Surgical internships can last from 6-12 months.
Program Coursework
Participants focus on a different aspect of neurology every year that they are in a residency program. Topics covered during a neurosurgical residency include:
Neurosurgery ICU
Pediatric neurology and neurosurgery
Brain and spinal injuries
Neuropathology
Neuroradiology
Clinical research
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