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What are the challenges of becoming a neurosurgeon?

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I am a neurosurgeon in preparation.

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Suzanne’s Answer

Hi Mpumelelo, this is a good question to ask if you are thinking of becoming a neurosurgeon. It is a big task to undertake but, of course, could provide a lot of satisfaction in the care you can provide patients ultimately. One big challenge is the length of time it takes to become a neurosurgeon. Following medical school there are several years of further training specifically in neurosurgery. Typically this is about seven years of residency. (Residency is a paid position in a hospital for medical school graduates). Often there are long hours and it can be physically very tiring. It also is stressful because there is so much to learn and so much responsibility involved in patient care. However, for someone who is truly dedicated and able to have the ability to learn a lot, have good eye/hand coordination surgical skills and is willing to put in the time and work, it could be a wonderful profession. Neurosurgeons are able to help many patients with very serious brain and spinal cord conditions.
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Alina’s Answer

Hi Mpumelelo,

Also you need to be very courageous and patient as it is extremely hard to tell the family right after the surgery that things didn't go well. You have to say it in person, see all the pain and sometimes listen to unpleasant accusations.
If you are not organized enough, it will be hard for you to plan the surgery the night before. I'd leave a list of needed instruments and sutures with my scrub nurse and then go home for a good night's sleep.
If you are not studios enough, you will not be able to pass all exams and certifications And being a neurosurgeon is a constant lifelong learning.

Hope it helps and good luck with your career.
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Aloysius’s Answer

Hi Mpumelelo, In addition to the inputs you already received i think you're focused on the one side of the coin i.e. Challenges. You'd always have challenges, even normal digestion of food is a challenge for the digestive system. The fighting of a bacterial infection or a cut. wound is a challenge or your human body to overcome and yet the Ecosystem of your systems that make up the human body overcomes it in record time!

Where I am going with this is that the other side of the coin- Opportunities. I've had formal education in Zoology, Biochemistry and was always passionate about Ecosystems and found my love right here at Visa where I help bring about creation of ecosystems that help solve business pain points of Small Businesses. Medical profession and that of a doctor is one of the most noble ones. I've seen first hand the value of a neurosurgeon and how it saved my mom's life 20 years ago. Do search to find the passion that fuels your consideration for Neurosurgery, with advent of robotics, i am aware that several surgeries today take place with a lot of precision thanks to AI-driven robotics. However, you cannot undermine the life long commitment required to remain abreast with making split decisions, understanding your patient at a case-by-case level (even if they report similar problems etc). I would think upon your medical school entry and continual studies there you'd be in a better place to appreciate if the challenges outweigh the value a Neurosurgeon.

It would be great to learn if you're already in medical school? interested to speak to a Neurosurgeon or already have spoken to some doctors. Let me know and happy to assist you as have some friends who are surgeons (inclusive of neurosurgery)

Best,
Al
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