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What are the regrettable aspects of becoming a neurosurgeon, and things i should consider before i start my track?
Currently going to my senior year of high school, about to start applying for colleges
#neurosurgeon
#surgeon
#medschool
#hospital
#college
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Evan’s Answer
Great question! It is great to start thinking of these things before diving headlong into a massive endeavor. Neurosurgery is one of the longest and most competitive roads in the physician world. One thing you have to take into account is how much school and training you are okay with completing.
Undergrad is 4 years
Medical school is 4 years
Neurosurgery residencies typically run at least 7 years
In addition, you should look into the lifestyle of the profession and determine whether it is something you want. Neurosurgeons are few and far between and therefore work some of the longest and hardest hours in the field. Surgeons in general tend to take a lot of on-call hours and can be called in from home if needed.
All this being said my best advice for your academic journey is to take each new step one at a time. Neurosurgery is something to aim at long-term but short-term you should try to figure out if you enjoy patient care, then try to be the best undergraduate student, then the best medical-school candidate, then the best medical student, and finally the best resident. Many people don't land on their medical specialty until 3rd year of medical school so you have plenty of time to decide if neurosurgery is right for you.
Undergrad is 4 years
Medical school is 4 years
Neurosurgery residencies typically run at least 7 years
In addition, you should look into the lifestyle of the profession and determine whether it is something you want. Neurosurgeons are few and far between and therefore work some of the longest and hardest hours in the field. Surgeons in general tend to take a lot of on-call hours and can be called in from home if needed.
All this being said my best advice for your academic journey is to take each new step one at a time. Neurosurgery is something to aim at long-term but short-term you should try to figure out if you enjoy patient care, then try to be the best undergraduate student, then the best medical-school candidate, then the best medical student, and finally the best resident. Many people don't land on their medical specialty until 3rd year of medical school so you have plenty of time to decide if neurosurgery is right for you.
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
My son is going to school And thinking about being a neurosurgeon. The most helpful things he has done is to shadow a neurosurgeon (as well as other doctors). Start by calling a doctor’s office and asking if they would allow you to shadow. Call local neurosurgeon’s offices and make the ask as well. If they can’t host you ask if the have recommendations of doctors who would. Don’t be discouraged if it takes effort. These are busy people, but many are willing. You just have to find the right one. Shadowing looks REALLY good on your scholarship apps too.