So, you want to be a neurosurgeon?
Thousands of students apply for undergrad schooling, medical school, residency, and many other programs to pursue what they love every year. This time is generally spent worrying over credentials, essays, interviews, and whatever else comes between a student and their dream school. Held the third week of March, every year, is Match Week. Match week is where all applicants applying to residency school, find out if they have been accepted. On that Monday of Match Week, students find out if they have been accepted into a program, they don't know which one yet, but that comes on Friday of Match Week. On this very much anticipated day to many, students find out what profession they are going to be specializing in during their residency training. The majority get their first choice, but some don’t. Nonetheless, the day is celebrated by many as one of the most significant and impactful days in the life of a medical student.
While Match Week is a pivotal moment for many medical students, it holds particular gravity for those aspiring to enter highly competitive fields, like neurosurgery. Take for example UT Southwester’s Neurological Surgery Residency. Every year, they receive around 300 applicants and only an astonishing 2 or 3 are selected to enter the program. That’s a shocking 0.67% to 1.00%! So, how does one exactly become a neurosurgeon?
What exactly does a neurosurgeon do?
Many young students aspiring to be in the healthcare industry seem to pick neurosurgery as the profession they want to pursue. It seems as if the plethora of zeros in the paycheck of a neurosurgeon blinds side many, but don’t be fooled, being a neurosurgeon is very much arduous! Neurosurgery is a multifaceted field with numerous responsibilities and duties. According to the University of Medicine and Health Sciences, “A neurosurgeon performs complex medical health procedures (neurosurgery) on the head, brain, and spinal cord.” Neurosurgeons also take care of patients before and after surgery, often working closely with other specialists to develop effective treatment plans.
You’re fresh out of high school, what now?
After four years of countless hours of slaving away studying (or crying), you finally graduated high school! Now, you're off to college where you’ll put more hours into pursuing your career. There's a common misconception that students need to major in biology or another science to gain entry into medical school. In reality, medical schools do not require or favor any specific major. To apply to medical school, you typically need to complete undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English. So, you could major in Engineering and then apply to medical school you just have to make sure that you fulfill the prerequisite coursework for the medical schools you want to apply to!
MCAT
After you get your undergraduate degree, it’s time to study and take the MCAT. MCAT stands for the Medical College Admission Test. It's important to make sure you prepare thoroughly for the MCAT and try your best to get a good score for the medical school you aim to attend. Admissions officers use the MCAT exam to gauge your potential success in medical school, as it assesses the skills you'll need during your studies. Scores range from 472 to 528. Most people prepare for the MCAT for 4-6 months, so get ready for a marathon of caffeine, flashcards, and the occasional existential crisis! It may feel like the end is never in sight, but trust me, once that passing result arrives, you'll be celebrating the achievement of a major milestone in your journey!
Medical School
After taking the MCAT, you must apply to medical schools, which involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The application process can be lengthy and competitive, so staying organized and meeting all deadlines is essential. You will need to undergo four years of training at a medical school. During the first two years, you'll attend lectures and engage in laboratory work, while the final two years will consist of clinical rotations to gain practical experience across different medical specialties. Upon successfully passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), you will be awarded your medical degree!
Neurosurgery Residency Program
After completing your medical degree, it’s time to apply to a neurosurgery residency program! These programs are usually very competitive, but don’t be discouraged. It's common for some medical students to take a gap year between medical school and neurosurgery residency. This time can be used for various purposes, such as gaining additional research experience, working in a clinical role, or taking time to improve their application. Neurosurgery residency typically lasts 7 years and includes training in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions through surgical and non-surgical methods, including extensive clinical rotations, hands-on surgical experience, and often research opportunities.
Final Steps
After completing your residency program, there are only a few more steps until you are officially a neurosurgeon! First, you must obtain your board certification. To obtain board certification in neurosurgery, you must have completed residency, passed both written and oral board exams, and submitted a certification application to the certifying party. Then you are officially a neurosurgeon!
Conclusion
Becoming a neurosurgeon is undoubtedly a challenging and demanding journey, but with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your goals and succeed in this rewarding field. If you are pursuing or thinking of pursuing neurosurgery, make sure to take breaks in order to not burn out and good luck!
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