Andrea
How to become a neurosurgeon in twelve or less years?
Hi! My name is Andrea and I am a sophomore in high school. I have been really looking at becoming a neurosurgeon as a life career, but wasn't quite sure if I wanted to be in school until I was thirty-two. I personally know a father of a twenty-six year old orthopedic surgeon who is done with all of her schooling, including residency. I was hoping you could provide me with information as to how you can become a certified surgeon in as few amount of years as possible. Thank you for your time! #college #doctor #medicine #university #graduate #surgery #surgeon
1 answer
Michael DePietro
Michael’s Answer
The program is fixed and does not have any short cuts
So for neurosurgery you need a 4 year college degree, 4 years of medical school and must complete a minimum of 5 years neurosurgery residency. This program is not flexible except some folks can satisfy the college degree requirements in say 3 years.Beyond that the time required in residency is set by the specific specialty board, and it is not the same as "school". When you are a resident you are taking care of patients under supervision, and working as a doctor under the guidance of more senior doctors. IT simply takes about that long for someone to have enough experience to operate on the brain and spinal cord without supervision.