Neurologist Information
A neurologist is a physician who specializes in neurology, and is trained to investigate, or diagnose and treat neurological disorders. Pediatric neurologists treat neurological disease in children.
Neurology is the medical field- study of the human nervous system. The nervous system encompasses the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. It can be affected by debilitating diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's, as well as by mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, autism, and Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). The specialist doctors who treat patients suffering from these diseases and disorders are called neurologists.
Neurologists examine patients who have been referred to them by other physicians. There are many tests they can perform to diagnose a patient’s illness. Depending on the symptoms, they may physically examine the nerves of the head and neck, or test the patient’s balance, reflexes, muscle strength, and range of movement. They may also test the patient’s cognitive abilities, including memory, speech, and sensation.
In order to get more information, neurologists often have images made of parts of the nervous system through computed axial tomography (CAT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With these images they can usually diagnose the problem and prescribe a treatment plan.
Treatments vary depending on the neurological problem. They can include everything from referring the patient to a physiotherapist, to prescribing drugs, to recommending a surgical procedure.
Some neurologists specialize in certain parts of the nervous system or in specific procedures. For example, neurosurgeons specialize in surgical procedures related to the nervous system, such as the removal of brain tumors.
There are also many non-medical doctors, those with PhDs in subjects such as biology and chemistry, who study and research the nervous system. Working in labs in universities, hospitals, and private companies, these neuroscientists perform clinical and laboratory experiments and tests in order to learn more about the nervous system and find cures or new treatments for diseases and disorders.
There is a great deal of overlap between neuroscience and neurology. A large number of neurologists work in academic training hospitals, where they conduct research as neuroscientists in addition to treating patients and teaching neurology to medical students.
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Salary
Neurologists are employed by hospitals and medical clinics. Some are self-employed, opening their own private practice offices.
They are either hired on a salaried basis by an institution such as a hospital, or they bill the government for each medical service they provide. Annual earnings vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, location, subspecialty, and whether or not they are self-employed.
According to a report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), neurologists bill the government an average of about $237,000 a year for medical services provided to the public. The average amount billed by neurosurgeons is about $298,000. However, these numbers do not take into account their expenses, such as staff salaries and the purchase of equipment and insurance.
Most neuroscientists work as university professors or in the research labs of large companies. University professors generally earn between $40,000 and $120,000 a year. However, those in senior positions at prestigious institutions can earn more. In addition, neuroscientists in research positions in the private sector tend to make more on average than those at universities.
In addition to their salaries, most neurologists and neuroscientists receive benefits such as paid vacation and sick days, pension plans, and health and life insurance.
Working Conditions
Neurologists often spend part of their day in their office, interviewing and examining patients, and then spend another part of the day visiting other patients in the hospital and reviewing their progress. They also spend time meeting with doctors who have referred patients to them, discussing the patients’ progress.
Most neurologists and neuroscientists are employed full-time, working a 5-day, 40 to 50-hour week. However, this number can vary considerably, depending on experience and the type of position held. Many doctors may be expected to work more hours each week, especially at the beginning of their careers. It is not uncommon for a doctor to put in more than 60 hours a week.
Neurologists who work in hospitals usually have to work evening and weekend shifts to meet the needs of their patients. Doctors are also often “on-call” at times when they are not at work. This means that they can be called in at any time, day or night, to attend to emergencies. On-call activities can add several hours to a neurologist’s workweek.
While neurology is not physically demanding work, there can be a great deal of stress involved. This is especially true if neurologists are working with patients who are extremely sick, or even terminally ill. Neuroscientists working in research labs may work under tight deadlines, which can also be stressful.
Education and Training
Persons who are interested in becoming a neurologist must first attend medical school. Good grades in high school and university are generally required, as well as taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Medical school matriculants generally have at least a bachelor's degree. Medical school provides a general medical education and graduates students with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS, MBChB). Medical students can choose to specialize in neurology during their training and elect a neurology post-graduate training program, or residency.
Neurology residency consists of practical, on-the-job training, in hospitals or other medical settings. The training program provides residents with specific training as a neurologist, and usually takes about four years to complete. In the United States, the first of these four years consists of either a transitional or internal medicine internship, which includes little to no neurology exposure. After residency, graduates must pass the specialty board exams and obtain an appropriate license from that region's governing body.
Persons wishing to become a non-medical neuroscientist must first complete a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or a related discipline. The next step is to obtain a master’s degree in neuroscience (2 years to complete) and then a PhD (at least 4 years). While there may be research positions available to those with a master’s degree, a PhD is generally required to become a university professor or a senior research scientist.
See also
References
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Categories: Neurology
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