Neurosurgeon Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a neurosurgeon. Feel free to use our neurosurgeon job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a neurosurgeon.
Who is a Neurosurgeon?
Neurosurgeons are doctors who provide surgical treatment for disorders of the nervous system. They have a long and highly specialized education that allows them to diagnose and treat disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. These can include strokes or traumas as well as congenital abnormalities.
The career of a neurosurgeon is challenging both intellectually and physically. They are specialists in both surgery and diagnosis. To create a comprehensive care plan for their patients, a neurosurgeon collaborates with non-surgical brain experts or neurologists.
They treat conditions that affect the brains or spinal cords of patients. They can use various tests and processes to diagnose illness and create plans to eliminate the problem and prevent future ones. They perform surgery to treat patients in most cases.
The majority of neurosurgeons work in hospitals or specialized units equipped with the most recent technology. Because they are experts in their field, patients are often referred to them by another doctor or neurologist.
They work long hours, often exceeding 70 hours per week, especially if they are in high-demand specializations. Neurosurgeons often work irregular hours to meet the needs of patients.
Neurosurgeons help to prevent, diagnose, and treat disorders of the brain and spine. They can also manage blood flow problems that may affect the brain. They may also be involved in rehabilitation treatment.
These are some of the issues neurosurgeons address:
Tumors of the brain, spine, nerves, brain, or skull.
These can be primary tumors from local tissues or metastatic spread from cancer in another area of the body.
- Spinal problems
These can cause neck or back pain, pinching nerves, weakness, or numbness in the arms and legs. These conditions may be caused by ruptured or bulging discs, excessive overgrowth or slippage of the vertebrae, infections, fractures, or other problems.
- Peripheral nerve compressions or injuries
These injuries can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm, leg, hand, or face. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that occurs when the nerve crossing your wrist becomes entrapped or compressed.
- Strokes, brain hemorrhages, aneurysms, and vascular malformations
This is generated by neurovascular disorders, such as strokes, aneurysms or brain hemorrhages, brain tumors, or traumatic or nontraumatic blood clotting
Neurosurgeon Job Description
Below are the neurosurgeon job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a neurosurgeon job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Supervising and coordinating teams of nurses and surgeons in the operating room.
- Performing microsurgery using operating microscopes
- Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests such as MRIs and PET scans.
- Assessing and diagnosing patients, prescribing treatment, and following up with patients.
- Meeting with the families of patients in the hospital and keeping them informed.
- Consulting with other departments and working with psychiatrists, therapists and neurologists.
- Performing basic administrative and business tasks such as filling out paperwork, writing prescriptions, and keeping records.
- Keeping up to date with discoveries and attending academic conferences.
- Examining the medical history of patients
- Interviewing patients and examining their symptoms.
- Analyzing and ordering diagnostic tests and procedures
- Discussing with the patients and their families the risks and benefits of different treatment options.
- Recommending nonsurgical treatments and prescribing medication.
- Deciding the right procedure for your surgery.
- Assisting nurses, anesthesiologists, and assistants in scheduling the operation.
- Coordinating staff, planning procedures, and ordering supplies and medical instruments.
- Operating on the nervous system using either a microscope in microsurgery or a scalpel for a more invasive procedure.
- Providing advice and nutritional recommendations after surgery, meeting with family members and patients.
- Maintaining patient records.
- Supervising administrative and medical staff.
- Training for staff and students
- Continuing your education, learning medical journals, and attending conferences.
- Collaborating with other health professionals such as psychiatrists, nurses, mental health nurses, and therapists
- Using diagnostic tools, laboratory tests, and other imaging to diagnose and assess patients.
- Monitoring the patient’s response and prescribing medication and treatments
- Managing a team consisting of surgeons, nurses, and physicians
- Assisting other surgeons or conducting emergency surgery
- Teaching medical students who are completing clinical rotations or internships
- Getting updates on new technologies and pharmaceuticals through attending academic conferences or conducting research.
- Talking with the patients and their families about the dangers and benefits of different therapy options.
- Ordering and interpreting MRIs or scans.
- Keeping track of the patients’ progress and keeping their families informed.
- Collaborating with other specialists and doctors when necessary
- Keeping up-to-date with any developments and innovations in the field.
Qualifications
These are the education requirements to become a neurosurgeon.
- Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is required in becoming a neurosurgeon. This can be obtained in either biomedical science or biological sciences. This program is a good foundation for future neurosurgeons. Aspiring neurosurgeons need to attend an accredited college or university and must complete a pre-med prerequisite course such as biochemistry and human anatomy. A lot of medical schools require that applicants have a minimum grade point average (3.5) to get into their program.
- MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for junior year in an undergraduate program. This test measures your ability in critical thinking and medical-related subjects such as chemistry. These are essential for pursuing a career as a doctor. To ensure that you receive the highest score possible, you can take this test up three times per year.
- Medical school
After you have completed your bachelor’s degree, you can apply to medical school. Aspiring neurosurgeons need to earn a Doctor of Medicine from a school accredited by the Association of American Medical Colleges. It includes two years of lab work and two years of experiential units that allow for hands-on practice in the medical field.
- Exam for medical licensure
After you have completed medical school, you will need to pass the state-specific medical licensing exam. The United States Medical Licensing Examination is administered by the Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners. The exam can be taken either immediately after medical school or during your first part of the residency. All aspiring doctors must pass this exam.
- Internship
After you have earned your Doctorate of Medicine, you will need to do a year-long hospital internship. Aspiring neurosurgeons will learn the skills necessary to work in a hospital environment, such as how to manage patients and communicate with other doctors.
- Residency
After a one-year internship, you can move on to a six to eight-year residency in neurosurgery. You will work with other neurosurgeons during your residency to acquire the skills and techniques necessary for this profession. After being a resident for some time, you can begin to perform surgery under the guidance of a surgeon.
Essential Skills
Neurosurgeons are highly qualified doctors who diagnose and treat brain disorders as well as related disorders of the nervous system. To be successful, neurosurgeons must not only have the expertise and training required in their field but also have certain professional and personal characteristics.
This include:
- Attention to detail and precision
Two of the most important traits in a neurosurgeon’s personality are precision and attention to detail. New York University’s Langone Medical Center Department of Neurosurgery states that neurosurgeons must have high levels of manual dexterity to be able to perform tasks such as tying surgical knots and placing aneurysm clippings. Neurosurgeons must be skilled in precise procedures and have the ability to coordinate with others.
- Must be able to manage stress effectively
Neurosurgery can be stressful. It requires a lot of concentration and it is a job that is always done under pressure. Many neurosurgeons have to deal with patients with a wide range of conditions and disorders. Neurosurgeons must not only manage job stress but also have to be able to effectively manage emotional stress.
- Showing compassion and empathy for patients
Neurosurgeons must be compassionate and able to show empathy. They must also be able to maintain professional boundaries and not get too attached to patients. It’s difficult to avoid an emotional reaction from neurosurgeons to patients’ symptoms or conditions. This can be difficult to navigate. Neurosurgeons must be able to show concern for their patients and care without hurting their mental health or well-being. They often find it helpful to have a strong support network and engage in stress-relieving activities such as hobbies or sports during downtime.
- Problem-solving and information gathering skills
A neurosurgeon must also be able to collect and use scientific information. This includes information from patient examinations as well as new research in the field. The field of neurosurgery is always changing and growing. It’s important for neurosurgeons that they stay up to date with the latest developments in research and practice. This might be done by attending conferences, reading scientific journals, or continuing education courses offered at universities and medical centers.
- Critical Thinking
Prospective surgeons need to be able to make timely decisions. The practice of neurosurgery was only started in the early 1900s. It is one of the most recent surgeries in modern medicine. Neurosurgeons must make individual decisions and solve problems for unusual cases. To diagnose and treat neurological disorders, neurosurgeons heavily rely on their problem-solving skills. There are only about 170 open positions each year for neurosurgeons, so only the best medical students can be considered.
- Teamwork
Every surgeon must work in a team. Although neurosurgeons work independently, they are often surrounded by nurses and surgery techs as well as medical students and other doctors. Stephen W. Hardin, an orthopedic surgeon, says that working together with other health care professionals can increase patient safety, success, and patient satisfaction.
- Physical stamina
A neurosurgeon can work up to 60 hours per week. Hours can vary. A surgeon might have to get up at night to perform emergency surgery. Some neurosurgeons can perform long surgeries that last more than 12 hours. These surgeries are very stressful and the surgeon must stand for long periods. To be able to handle the demanding work schedule of a medical resident, hopeful neurosurgeons must have physical stamina. It is important that you can work effectively even if you are not getting enough sleep.
How to Become a Neurosurgeon
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
A Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine, Biology, Psychology, or another related field is required. These majors will prepare you for medical school. The MCAT can be taken during your junior year. Although you can take the MCAT multiple times, some medical schools only accept one or two of your test scores.
- Complete medical school
There are two options: an allopathic or osteopathic school of medicine. Both last for four years and offer similar training. You’ll learn the basics of medicine in a classroom setting and then get practical experience in different specializations. You will also need to complete the USMLE’s first two steps during medical school. This is required for obtaining a medical license.
- Undergo residency
A neurosurgery residency typically lasts seven to eighteen years. As a resident, you will shadow neurosurgeons who work with patients and perform spinal and brain surgery operations. You will be supervised by licensed medical professionals during your final years of residency. A fellowship is required if you wish to become a neurosurgery specialist. This may place between one to three years.
- Apply for licensure
After your first year, you can apply for licensure. To be eligible for licensure, you will need to show proof that you have passed the USMLE, completed medical school, and completed at least one year of post-graduate training. Each state has its licensing board, which issues licensure. There may be additional requirements. Renewing medical licensure is also required, according to the guidelines of your state’s board.
- Get certification in neurosurgery
The American Board of Neurological Surgery requires a certification for neurosurgeons. This certification requires that you pass an exam. It is also required to be renewed according to the current standards of the board.
Where to Work
Most neurosurgeons work in hospitals and special surgery centers. They may work long hours in hospitals, even on weekends and holidays. The neurosurgeon may stay in the hospital for up to 12 hours to respond to emergencies.
Neurosurgeon Salary Scale
Many neurosurgeons work full-time. The salary of neurosurgeons varies depending on their experience, location, and size of the healthcare facility where they work.
The average salary of neurosurgeons in the U.S. is $121,687 per annum
