Essay About Profession: The Life of a Neurologist

“The human brain is the last, and greatest, scientific frontier. It is truly an internal cosmos that lies contained within our skulls… the most elaborate structure in the known universe”. This quote by Joel Davis, a former Major League Baseball player, explains just how elaborate the brain really is. The brain controls every function of the body, from blinking, to fighting off a disease, to running. Only neuroscientists, and within their field, neurologists, are true masters of the brain. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the field of neurology. They are vital because they treat and diagnose people with neurological diseases and disorders. Pursuing a career in neurology is rewarding because of its stimulating career overview, increasing salary, and growing employment opportunities.

Nature of Work/Job Description

Neurology is a field of medical biology (“Physicians and Surgeons”). It deals with the anatomy, functions, and disorders of the nervous system. Neurology is a broad field and there are many jobs within it. One job is a neurologist. Disorders and diseases of the nervous system are diagnosed, treated, and monitored by neurologists (“Physicians and Surgeons”).

When they are with patients, neurologists have many duties to perform. They examine and follow up with patients. They also prescribe medicine and address and issues, concerns, or questions (Walker). While they are not with their patients, they review tests, identify findings, and answer questions. In addition to prior duties, they work with controlled substances and pharmacies (Walker).

Neurologist work as a team or solo in a hospital or in a clinical environment. In a team environment, neurologists are the boss (“Physicians and Surgeons”). Being the boss gives them more freedom, but also more responsibility (Walker). Health care is ever-evolving, as are diseases and disorders, unexpected emergencies can occur. Inside of their environment, work can become very stressful (Walker). Patients may become angry and frustrated, but most of the time they are thankful (Walker).

Most of the time, neurologist have busy schedules. Their day starts around 8a.m. and ends around 4:30p.m.. Breaks are short when given. For instance, they usually only receive a thirty minute lunch break (Walker). Neurologist work full time and may come in after hours to complete their work or address emergencies. In one week a neurologist may work up to forty hours (“Physicians and Surgeons”).

There are certain qualities needed to be a neurologist. It is essential that the are compassionate, patient, and organized. They need leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. It is also necessary that they are able to retain important information, pay attention to detail, and trust in themselves. This ensures that they will get the job done in the best way possible (“Physicians and Surgeons”). Since this is such a specific field knowing themselves is important, “take the time to get to know yourself very well before starting any career.” This is crucial because many people go into a field they do not enjoy, and are miserable (Walker).

Education/Training Requirements

Many neurologists start their education in high school. Biology, human anatomy, and algebra are a few of the classes many neurologists take (Walker). After high school, the path to becoming a neurologist can be very long.  In order to qualify for the job, they are required to have a high school diploma, a bachelors degree, and graduated from medical school with a M.D. or a D.O.. It is also mandatory that they have at least three years of residency, and are licensed (“Physicians and Surgeons”).

After medical school neurologists are required to either be an M.D. or D.O.. A M.D. is a Doctor of Medicine. Doctors of Medicine focus on a more specific, chosen field. It is also one of the highest levels of degrees achievable. A D.O. Is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Their education is less specific and focuses on the whole individual.  People become a D.O. mostly for general medicine, and the degree focuses on the musculoskeletal system (“Physicians and Surgeons”).

The final step to becoming a neurologist is going through a residency program and being licensed. A residency program is the next step after graduating from medical school. It is a training program where they receive hands on training under supervision in a hospital or clinic. This can last anywhere from three to nine years(“Physicians and Surgeons”). Next, they get licensed. M.D.’s take the Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), while D.O.’s take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Examination (OMLEX-USA). All neurologist must also be licensed by the state board and certified by the American Board of Neurology and Psychology (ABPN) (“Physicians and Surgeons”).

Earnings

A neurologist is a high paying job (“Physicians and Surgeons”). Many receive over twenty dollars an hour (Walker). New neurologists usually start out making around $85,000- $10,000 per year. As they gain more experience and work longer, their salaries increase. The median wage for an experienced neurologist is around $208,000 (“Physicians and Surgeons”). However, this is not all that they have.

Other assets they acquire are benefits. When they first begin working they receive medical, dental, and vision insurance. After one year of working they may receive other benefits. This can include vacation time and retirement. Benefits can vary based on the type of practice chosen, such as a hospital or private practice (Walker).

Employment/Advancement Opportunities

Healthcare is always growing and evolving. Sadly, this job in particular is only projected to grow around three percent. That is below average for healthcare jobs (“Physicians and Surgeons”). Many do say that there is a, “growing need for people in specialized in neurology/mental health,” (Walker). This means that the actual growth may surpass the projected growth.

Despite such a small growth window, there is a projected 22,700 job openings between 2020 and 2030 (“Physicians and Surgeons”). Most openings are projected to be the result of retirement and openings from where people have transferred to another job. Once neurologist are accepted for the job, there are hardly any advancement opportunities. The possible main cause is that they are the boss of their division, and do not have any way to be promoted. Since they cannot be promoted they are more likely to stay in their job for a while, causing less job openings.

A career as a neurologist is invigorating with many perks. It is essential that they are caring, talkative, conscientious, and intelligent. Despite the fact that the job requires a lot of education and training, and may require long hours, there are many rewards, such as high wages and insurances. These doctors are offered once in a lifetime opportunities to change their patients’ lives. What these doctors have accomplished is truly amazing, and they should be proud of everything they have accomplished. A neurologist is truly a guardian angel.