How Hard Is It to Become a Neurosurgeon The road to becoming a neurosurgeon is as long and demanding as any career you could consider pursuing in the field of medicine. That entails substantial education and training. It is important to remember the dedication and timeline for those looking to get into this difficult (but rewarding) field. This post covers the series of educational steps to become a neurosurgeon, citing the lengths of time spent in each stage
Undergraduate Education
Duration: 4 Years
Before you can become a neurosurgeon, you first need to complete an undergraduate degree Most would-be neurosurgeons major in one of the sciences-biology, chemistry, physics-associated with pre-medical track. This grounding in prerequisites is key to readying students for taking the all- important Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a major plank of med school entry points.
Medical School
Duration: 4 Years
After that, medical school - which generally takes four years - follows an undergraduate degree. Medical school uses a two-phase curriculum: 2 years of classroom and laboratory instruction in normal basic sciences, where as the other subject covers clinical rotation for other fields such as surgery, neurology etc.
Residency Program
Duration: 6-8 Years
Neurosurgical residency is another long-residency with a great length of Training after graduating from Medical School A 6 to 8 year period of training where the future neurosurgeon works under experienced neurosurgeons to learn all aspects of neurosurgery, and how to behave as a human being outside the OR.
Fellowship (Optional)
Duration: 1-2 Years
Although this is not required, most neurosurgeons choose to pursue a fellowship in one of these subspecialties namely pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery and cerebrovascular surgery. Fellowships offer advanced training after your residency and typically last 1-2 years
Board Certification
In order to obtain this specialty, neurosurgeons must complete educational/ residency requirements and become board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. This includes successful completion of an intensive oral and written exam to demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge and skills encompassed by neurosurgery.
Overall, it takes 14 to 16 years after high school to join the ranks of practicing neurosurgeons. The reason for this rigorous training is to ensure that neurosurgeons are equipped to deal with the challenges of their field and deliver the best care cure possible.
If you would like more on this rigorous path, check out our complete piece on how many years of school do you need to be a neurosurgeon.
Lastly, I hope that you all understand becoming a Neurosurgeon takes YEARS of intense schooling and training. Nevertheless, the potential to save lives and enhance the health and well-being of patients with neurological disease renders this arduous path deeply fulfilling for those who wish to walk it.