How to become A Neurologist

The nervous system, it is said, can unlock the door to optimal health. As the command centre of the body’s vital operations, it plays a crucial role in sustaining life. Neurology is a prestigious and complex medical speciality that deals with the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves. A Neurologist specialises in treating diseases of the nervous system.

• General Neurologist 

• Adult Neurologist 

• Pediatric Neurologist 

• Adult and Pediatric Neurologist 

• Vascular Neurologist 

• Neurodevelopmental Neurologist

• Neuromuscular Neurologist

What does a Neurologist do?
A Neurologist would typically need to:

• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions & disorders of the nervous system based on a patient’s history and physical & neurological exams

• Order diagnostic procedures, such as blood tests, spinal fluid tests, and neuroimaging tests

• Perform lumbar punctures, electroencephalography, electromyography and nerve conduction velocity tests

• Interpret test results to arrive at a diagnosis 

• Develop specialised treatment plans depending on the disease; manage and adapt the plans according to the patient’s progress 

• Prescribe medication, also administering it if needed; monitor any side effects

• Counsel patients about their condition and its background; explain treatment plans to them, and provide home-care instructions 

• Run outpatient clinics to diagnose and treat most chronic issues, such as Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, which typically develop over a long time

• Carry out ward rounds at hospitals or clinics to check on inpatients

• Liaise with medical professionals, nurses and hospital staff to ensure that patients receive excellent care; order supportive care services as needed 

• Treat acute conditions, such as a stroke, which come on suddenly

• Offer specialist expertise and guidance to and consult with other medical specialists

• Train junior staff, perform audits of practice and conduct neuroscience research

• Stay abreast with the latest neurological treatments and developments

Neurologists usually consult in hospitals and work in inpatient wards, but they may also run outpatient clinics and work in multi-speciality healthcare settings. They may also conduct laboratory research. While they typically do not need to work in primary care or emergency departments, their expertise may be required to assess certain patients.

Whether or not a Neurologist has a private medical office typically depends on the location and the nature of their work. Once they acquire adequate experience, Neurologists may also freelance. 

A Neurologist typically works 40 hours per week with hours between 8:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m, five days a week. Sometimes they are expected to work nights or weekends or remain on call beyond regular working hours. Speciality trainees are typically hired on a short-term contract of six to twelve months. Trainees at all levels must also be prepared to remain on call. 

Neurologists may choose to practice solo or in a group practice. They may opt to be employed by healthcare facilities or work with them on an independent contractor basis. They may also choose temporary locum tenens positions offered by practices, hospitals, or healthcare organisations with an unfilled clinical need.

Neurologists are generally employed by:

• Government Hospitals

• Brain & Spine Hospitals

• Private Hospitals

• Armed Forces Medical Services

• Railways Medical Facilities

• Private Practice

• Specialist Hospitals

• Medical Colleges

Healthcare associations, such as the World Federation of Neurology, provide unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. They offer all the certification courses members will need throughout their professional careers. Affiliated Neurologists may attend conventions, seminars, and dinners frequented by peers, mentors, and other industry leaders. The events help them keep up with the newest breakthroughs and latest developments in the field, including plum jobs. 

• The need to stand for long hours

• Working hours that can extend beyond expected schedules

• Tackling chronic diseases and cases where patients have disabling psychological problems

• Treating conditions that affect the young and the old, such as neuromuscular disorders and dementia, respectively

• Following up with patients after treating them 

To show their commitment to the long qualifying period, every medical school applicant, whether studying in a pre-med program or high school, typically needs work experience in their local hospital, doctor's surgery, nursing home, or mental health trust. It will strengthen your application and give you insights into some of the physical and emotional demands of a career in medicine. You will also acquire practical skills in taking medical histories, examining patients, and diagnosing illnesses.

Some teaching hospitals also offer work experience in their neurology departments, specifically for secondary school students interested in a medical degree and a career as a Neurologist. Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in neurology to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. At university, you could become a member of a neurology student society to stay current with developments.

During the final two years of medical school or the foundation training just the following completion, you will follow a system of rotations in various medical departments, working with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians. You will develop critical skills and experience in diagnosing and treating diverse illnesses. Try to find a rotation or taster session in neurology as well.

On graduating from medical school, aspiring Neurologists follow the prescribed pathway before specialising in neurology. Depending on their location, they spend a year or two gathering experience as hospital interns before pursuing a three-year residency in neurology. Interns, however, do not have the right to practice unsupervised medicine. Or they build further experience through a two- or three-year period of general medical training before passing the required diploma and entering a period of specialised training in neurology.

Medical school is a must for aspiring Neurologists. Requirements are an MD degree from an accredited medical school, a licensing exam­ination, a residency, and an internship.

Some locations offer prospective Neurologists the option to do a pre-med course focusing on advanced biological sciences or study subjects such as microbiology, biochemistry, human anatomy, English, advanced mathematics and statistics at college.

Medical school typically takes four years to complete; two years of classroom work followed by two years in a hospital or clinical setting with exposure to real-life medical issues. The first two years of medical school typically include courses in anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and laws governing medicine.

Upon passing through the program, the freshly-minted MDs must then complete two- to four-year residencies and are followed by a two- to four-year internship/fellowship in a speciality area such as neurology. 

Some Neurologists may choose to undertake further training in sub-specialities, such as headache medicine, neuromuscular medicine, neurocritical care, neuro-oncology, geriatric neurology, autonomic disorders, vascular (stroke care), child neurology, interventional neuroradiology, and epilepsy. 

Take college preparatory courses in high school, including anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology, and physics. Mathematics classes facilitate the calculation of medicine doses and reading graphs. English and speech courses will help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Being certified by an accredited board may significantly impact employment opportunities. The criteria for certification is the completion of a written and multiple-choice question. Certain organisations offer voluntary certifications for qualified Neurologists. 

Check for specific licensing requirements in your location. The essential qualifications to obtain a license are graduating from an accredited medical school, completing training in the speciality, and passing standardised national exams. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

As you acquire more experience and clinical expertise in the role of a consultant, you will take on greater responsibilities. You will have opportunities to move into managerial positions, starting as the Medical Lead for a team, becoming Clinical Director or Lead Consultant for a department, and finally Medical Director or Lead Consultant for a medical trust or healthcare facility.

Given the intense competition, start preparing early if you plan to take up scientific research or an academic career. Neurologists interested in educating future doctors may become Director of Medical Education, Training Director or Associate Dean.

You may also set up your own practice or work in the private sector.

Candidates with a master's degree in neurology, paired with the necessary skills and experience, have the best job prospects. Geographical mobility can further enhance your job opportunities.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in the healthcare sector for public wellbeing and career progression. It embraces several new learning objectives, educational methodologies, and novel technological developments.

Even after earning your qualifications, you must continue learning and practising throughout your career to maintain your credentials. Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups at conferences and meetings, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, and professional publications educate, influence, support and foster lifelong enlightenment in career-grade Neurologists. Research work, as well as peer-reviewing journal papers, count towards professional development.

Postgraduate qualifications may be instrumental if you opt to study for a PhD and follow an academic research career. Continuing education (CE), through classes, meetings, self-assessment and seminars offered by professional organisations and university medical centres, helps Neurologists stay current with trends and breakthroughs in the field.

Qualifying in medical education is helpful if you plan to take up formal teaching as part of your work.

Job Profiles

After earning their qualifications, Neurologists may work as neuro physicians who treat neurological diseases through medication and non-surgical approaches. They are usually experts in treating conditions linked with loss of memory, stroke and management of neuromuscular pain. Or they may work as neurosurgeons who treat neurological diseases, acute and chronic, using both medical and surgical interventions. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Neurologists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Neurologist, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The brain continues to develop till the age of 25!

With the diversity in the field of neurology, it is possible to treat a variety of conditions affecting the nervous system. Neurologists are indispensable in the care that they offer using a wide array of treatments. 

In cases of dementia, keep in mind that patients remember more than they have forgotten. Focus on their memories. Furthermore, when you interact with your patients, remember that you have much more to offer them beyond your expertise and knowledge. Your passion and commitment will earn you the fulfilment that comes with saving the patient’s life and making it more manageable.