Neurologist Career Info

Job Description

Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Neurologists are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with neurological disorders.

They treat and diagnose adults with neurological disorders. Pediatric neurologists treat neurological disease in children. Neurologists may also be involved in clinical research, clinical trials, as well as basic research and translational research. Physicians and surgeons diagnose illnesses and prescribe and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. Physicians examine patients, obtain medical histories, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive health care.

Education Requirements

Since a neurologist is a type of physician, the training process is extensive and requires a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) in addition to an undergraduate college degree:

• High school diploma
• 4-year undergraduate degree from university or college
• 4-year medical degree from accredited U.S. medical school (or foreign equivalent)
• 3 years of residency training in neurology

Premedical students must complete undergraduate work in physics, biology, mathematics, English, and inorganic and organic chemistry. Students also take courses in the humanities and the social sciences. Some students volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain practical experience in the health professions.

Working Environment

Neurologists usually work indoors in well lighted exam rooms and hospitals. Hours of work frequently exceed 60 hours a week in the busier practices. This typically can result in being awakened at all hours of the night and/or being asked to come in at irregular times to evaluate a patient. Typically a neurologist will work five days per week, plus on-call duties to handle patient emergencies. An average of about 40-50 hours per week is standard. On a full office day, a neurologist will see approximately 20-25 patients per day. Like most physicians, neurologists have about four to six weeks off for vacation annually, and they may have an additional week or two allowed off for CME coursework.

Salary

According to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) 2012 Compensation report, the average income for neurologists is $281,616, based on national averages. By region, neurologists earn the most in the South, with an average income there of $324,521 annually. By town size and population, neurologists in non-metropolitan areas with a population fewer than 50,000 earn the highest income on average, with a median income of $275,663, according to the MGMA physician compensation report.

Sources:

http://www.healthcaresalaryonline.com/neurologist-job-description.html

http://healthcareers.about.com/od/physiciancareers/p/How-To-Become-A-Neurologist.htm