A Long Educational Journey
Because it is one of the most specialties in medical fields, we can say that being a neurosugeon means spending years for education and practice. Candidates generally take between 14 and 16 years following high school to acquire the mandatory certifications. This also does take into account attending a 4 year bachelor degree, then medical school and residency.
Expectation for Undergraduate and Medical School
It begins with a 4-year undergraduate degree, during which students often major in biology, chemistry or similar in preparation for medical school. After that, they go to medical school for four years and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree. During their medical training, students divide their time between classroom learning of medical theory and clinical rotations in various areas of medicine.
Rigorous Residency Training
The most difficult and the longest phase starts after medical school – residency. Neurosurgery Residency programs can, infamously, last for seven years of a more grueling than usual surgical trainings. A few other programs go up to eight years if they include a research component. It is during this time residents are exposed to the full breadth of neurosurgical cases, including cranial and spine operations, with direct mentorship provided by seasoned neurosurgeons.
Elective Rotations for Concentration
Although not required, many neurosurgeons complete a fellowship after residency to specialize in pediatric neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, cerebrovascular surgery etc. Fellowships usually range from one to two years and give the surgeon specialized training in their area of interest.
Board Certification
After residency training, neurosurgeons must pass a comprehensive board certification examination by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. The certification is a sign of their extensive training and skill, which they must be kept up to using continuing education and practice standards.
The Reward of Perseverance
The path to becoming a neurosurgeon is a long hard journey but it is also one of the most rewarding career in all medical careers. Neurosurgeons are on the cutting edge of medical science, treating serious cases of neurological disease that can have enormous consequences for patients. They enjoy very high demand for their skillset and are also some of the most highly paid in the medical profession.
The conclusion to draw for those questioning how long does it take to become neurosurgeon is that it certainly represents a challenging route. For most of us in the field, saving that many lives is an investment well worth 9 years of training.