Neurologist
A neurologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders affecting the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. They are equipped to manage a variety of conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, and multiple sclerosis through detailed examinations, diagnostic tests, and appropriate medication prescriptions. Neurologists typically work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, where they collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
To become a neurologist, one must complete extensive education, including a bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school, and several years of residency training. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and a compassionate approach, as neurologists frequently interact with patients experiencing serious health issues. In addition to clinical work, many neurologists engage in research, contributing to advancements in the field through publications and presentations at medical conferences. The median annual salary for neurologists is notably high, reflecting the extensive training and expertise required in this vital area of healthcare.
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Subject Terms
Neurologist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Medicine, solving problems, working with sick or injured people, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): This wage is equal to or greater than $239,200 per year or $115.00 per hour.
Employment & Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Doctoral or professional degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Internship/residency
Overview
Sphere of Work. Neurologists are physicians who specialize in treating patients with neurological disorders. Neurology is a branch of medicine concerned with the human nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and outlying nerves. Neurologists are highly trained and are able to test, diagnose, and treat patients with a wide variety of neurological disorders. They can prescribe medicine based on the results of blood work, X-rays, and other tests. Some neurologists, known as neurosurgeons, specialize in performing related surgeries.
Work Environment. Neurologists work in a variety of inpatient and outpatient medical facilities. Some work out of private offices or clinics, while many others work out of group practices, health care organizations, or hospitals. At larger institutions, neurologists share patients with other physicians and nurses. These facilities are frequently well-lit and sterile. Neurologists may be required to stand for extended periods of time and work long and irregular hours.
Occupation Interest. Like many professionals in the medical field, neurologists come from a broad range of medical backgrounds, but the majority of them have made neurology the focus of their education. They need to be very empathetic and understanding, as they must frequently interact with patients who are sick or injured. Neurologists must also be very detail oriented and ensure that their patients are receiving the proper treatment and diagnosis. This also requires excellent problem-solving skills.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Like other physicians, neurologists are primarily responsible for examining, diagnosing, and treating the injuries or ailments of their patients. While these procedures can lead to similar day-to-day activities, each patient is unique. A neurologist will also record a patient’s medical history, prescribe appropriate medications, and perform or order diagnostic tests. These tests may include blood tests, X-rays, and computed axial tomography (CAT) scans. Neurologists also examine patients’ reflexes, vision, strength, sensations, and coordination, which are all related to the nervous system. Nurses typically assist in the administration of these tests. Other duties of the profession may include making hospital rounds, filling out paperwork, and teaching, usually at the college level.
Some neurologists specialize in certain areas of the field, such as research, clinical trials, neurosurgery, or neurologic oncology. All of these specializations require additional training. They can also specialize in diagnosing and treating specific disorders, such as dementia, epilepsy, or insomnia. Neurologists also spend a great amount of time educating their patients and patients’ families about appropriate precautions, treatments, and medications. It is common for a neurologist to see a dozen or more patients per day.
Research can also be a part of a neurologist’s day. Many neurologists publish articles in medical and scientific journals and present findings of case studies throughout their careers. It is common for neurologists to travel to related conferences to network, present findings, and compare research.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Neurologists work in health facilities alongside others in the profession. These facilities include hospitals, group practices, health care organizations, clinics, and private practices.
Human Environment. Neurologists work with a variety of professionals as well as patients. They frequently communicate and collaborate with others in the medical field, including other neurologists, surgeons, and researchers. The nature of their work requires them to make physical contact with and be very close to patients with various ailments throughout the day.
Technological Environment. Neurologists use a broad range of tools, from small instruments to large, sophisticated medical apparatuses. Basic instruments include digital thermometers, eye charts, and stethoscopes. To examine a patient’s neurological system further, a neurologist may use functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), lumbar punctures, and electrodiagnostic tests. Neurologists must follow safety procedures when operating medical machinery. Technicians often perform diagnostic tests such as MRI.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma is required to enroll in the postsecondary courses required of a neurologist. At the high school level, basic and advanced courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics would greatly benefit an individual interested in pursuing a career in the field.
Postsecondary. Neurologists typically complete four years of undergraduate schooling followed by four years of medical school. Depending on a neurologist’s specialty, further education may be required. Undergraduates planning to continue on to medical school are typically not required to major in a specific subject, but they should excel in courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Undergraduates are also encouraged to volunteer at local hospitals or medical facilities. This is an effective way to gain valuable experience and observe experienced professionals.
To enroll in medical school, an individual must submit transcripts and letters of recommendation and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Medical schools are very competitive, so undergraduate students should do their best to excel in all aspects of their education. An applicant will typically have to interview with an admissions board, which will also consider extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and various qualities of the applicant’s personality.
The first two years of medical school typically combine instruction in classrooms and laboratories. Courses required for neurologists include anatomy, medical ethics, biochemistry, and since their work involves the human brain, psychiatry. They are also instructed in necessary skills, such as how to record a patient’s medical history, examine a patient, and diagnose problems.
For the final two years of medical school, students are given hands-on instruction alongside experienced professionals in hospitals or other medical facilities. Students are observed throughout the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of patients. After completing medical school, students enter an internship or a residency program, which can last three to eight years. These take place in hospitals or other medical facilities.
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Bibliography
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 29-1229 Physicians, All Other.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291229.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
“Physicians and Surgeons.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.