Nearing the end of his residency, Richard L. Lebow, MD, provides practical advice for those considering neurosurgery as a profession.
Discussion with Mitchel S. Berger, MD, FACS.
Protecting the Future of Neurosurgery: Healthcare and Tort Reform presented by Robert E. Harbaugh, MD, FACS, and interviewer Ann Stroink, MD.
Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the House of Representatives, is interviewed during the 2010 AANS Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.
James R. Bean, MD and interviewer Randall W. Smith, MD discuss the origin and evolution of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies, how it functions, and what it does on behalf of neurosurgeons everywhere.
Neurosurgery is comprised of many subspecialty areas, and pre-clinical students should take opportunities to discover what interests them. Shadowing a mentor or attending career fairs are two ways a medical student can determine if neurosurgery is a good fit.
Neurosurgery is not a one-size-fits-all profession. With a variety of clinical focuses and practice types, a neurosurgeon can shape his or her career in a number of ways.
Medical students should be keenly aware of their strengths and weaknesses when selecting a residency program. Prospective residents should interview and rotate a variety of programs, and consider such factors as location when deciding which residency program is right for them.
Many medical schools lacking a formal neurosurgical residency program may have neurosurgery divisions or affiliated neurosurgeons. Women in Neurosurgery (WINS) also connects students with practicing neurosurgeons.
Many neurosurgeons have research interests. If a student would like to incorporate research within their practice, he or she will have to assess what role research will play in their career.
In seeking work/life balance, a neurosurgeon has to be realistic about his or her life plan and determine how personal priorities fit in with their career. This is important to think about when selecting a subspecialty or practice type.
Both the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons offer free and/or discounted courses and meetings for students. These organizations also offer summer fellowships and mentoring programs for medical students.
WINS matches mentors and mentees base on location, specialty interest and other specifications. Mentorship experiences can range from a simple phone call to a long-lasting professional relationship.
Some successful female neurosurgeons cite the value of female mentors and colleagues as an important factor in a residency program. Regardless of gender, residents should have a strong network of peers and mentors during the residency period.
Speaking to neurosurgeons in your home country may be the first step in connecting with neurosurgeons and programs in the United States. It may be a good idea to consider U.S. residency programs that offer pre-residency fellowship positions as well.
Video presentation developed by Aruna Ganju, MD