3 answers
Chloe
Student
Darien, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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How do I become a neurosurgeon?
As a middle school student, I have been wanting to become a neurosurgeon for a long time. It is a strong desire of mine to help others. I am taking as many classes related to this career as I can once I get to high school, but I don't know what else I can do.
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3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Chloe,
Neurosurgery is one of the most demanding medical careers. You can expect 17 or 18 years of schooling and training.
You first need to earn a bachelors degree, take the MCAT before you can apply to medical school. You have 4 years of medical school. To become a neurosurgeon, you need one year of internship and 7 to 8 years of residency. Many opt to take on a fellowship for further specialization after that. I have attached a link with more detailed information.
What you can do NOW to put yourself in a good position is to have a very good GPA, take AP classes in sciences, volunteer or shadow in a medical setting, i.e. with a doctor or in a hospital, take on some other extracurriculars that will demonstrate your dedication for medicine or leadership potential, etc.
The admission criteria and pre-requisites courses that you need to take during your undergrad are a bit different for each school, so make sure you look up current information for schools you would consider. Work with the admission people.
I hope this helps! Good luck on your path!
KP
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/careers/what-does-a-neurosurgeon-do
Neurosurgery is one of the most demanding medical careers. You can expect 17 or 18 years of schooling and training.
You first need to earn a bachelors degree, take the MCAT before you can apply to medical school. You have 4 years of medical school. To become a neurosurgeon, you need one year of internship and 7 to 8 years of residency. Many opt to take on a fellowship for further specialization after that. I have attached a link with more detailed information.
What you can do NOW to put yourself in a good position is to have a very good GPA, take AP classes in sciences, volunteer or shadow in a medical setting, i.e. with a doctor or in a hospital, take on some other extracurriculars that will demonstrate your dedication for medicine or leadership potential, etc.
The admission criteria and pre-requisites courses that you need to take during your undergrad are a bit different for each school, so make sure you look up current information for schools you would consider. Work with the admission people.
I hope this helps! Good luck on your path!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3757
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Chloe,
Becoming a Neurosurgeon: A Comprehensive Guide
Middle School Preparations
As a middle school student with a strong desire to become a neurosurgeon, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for this challenging and rewarding career. First and foremost, focus on your academic performance, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. This foundation in STEM will be crucial when you reach high school and begin taking advanced courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Additionally, consider engaging in activities that foster your interest in medicine and neuroscience. Participating in science fairs, joining science clubs, or even starting a neuroscience-focused club at your school can help you develop a deeper understanding of the field and its requirements. Furthermore, seeking out opportunities to volunteer at hospitals or shadow medical professionals can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a neurosurgeon.
High School Preparations
Once you reach high school, it’s essential to maintain a rigorous academic schedule. Focus on advanced placement (AP) and honors courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Earning strong grades in these subjects will not only help you build the necessary knowledge base for a neurosurgeon but also demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence when applying to colleges and medical schools.
Concurrently, continue pursuing extracurricular activities related to neuroscience and medicine. Seek out internships or research opportunities at local universities, hospitals, or laboratories. These experiences will not only strengthen your understanding of neuroscience but also help you establish professional connections that may prove beneficial during your undergraduate and medical education.
Undergraduate Education
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for admission to medical school. While there is no specific major required for aspiring neurosurgeons, it’s highly recommended to major in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. During your undergraduate studies, ensure that you complete the prerequisites for medical school admissions, which typically include:
General Biology with lab (2 semesters)
General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
Organic Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
Physics with lab (2 semesters)
Mathematics (through Calculus I)
English composition and literature
Additionally, consider gaining relevant experience through research, internships, or volunteering at hospitals during your undergraduate years. These experiences will not only strengthen your application to medical school but also provide valuable insights into the field of neurosurgery.
Medical Education
To become a neurosurgeon, you must first complete medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. During medical school, you’ll complete two years of classroom and laboratory instruction followed by two years of clinical rotations. During your clinical rotations, express your interest in neurosurgery to the physicians you work with and seek out opportunities to shadow neurosurgeons whenever possible.
Upon completing medical school, you’ll need to match into a neurosurgery residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Neurosurgery residencies typically last seven years and involve extensive clinical training in various aspects of the field, including trauma, pediatrics, oncology, and spine surgery. After completing your residency, you may choose to pursue additional fellowship training in a subspecialty area of neurosurgery such as pediatric neurosurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery.
Licensure and Certification
To practice as a neurosurgeon in the United States, you must obtain a medical license in the state(s) where you intend to practice. This requires passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Additionally, you must become board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) by passing both written and oral examinations. Board certification is not only necessary for practicing as a neurosurgeon but also demonstrates your expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
Authoritative Reference Titles
The Princeton Review: Medical School Admissions Guide - This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into the medical school admissions process and offers practical advice on how to strengthen your application as an aspiring neurosurgeon. It includes tips on course selection, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. The Princeton Review is known for its test preparation materials and college/graduate school admissions guides; this book offers an overview of what medical schools look for in applicants while offering strategies for success throughout the process. - Explore Health Careers: Neurosurgeon - Published by the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Science Education, this resource offers an in-depth overview of the role of a neurosurgeon and provides detailed information on educational requirements, salary ranges, job outlooks, and professional organizations within the field.
The National Institutes of Health is one of the world’s foremost medical research centers; this resource offers accurate information regarding careers in healthcare from an authoritative source within the field itself. - Association of American Medical Colleges: Becoming a Neurosurgeon - This informative article published by the Association of American Medical Colleges provides an overview of the path to becoming a neurosurgeon from undergraduate studies through residency training and board certification. The Association of American Medical Colleges is an authoritative source on medical education in the United States; this resource offers practical advice from professionals within the field while offering guidance throughout each stage of education required for aspiring neurosurgeons.
GOD BLESS!
James.
Becoming a Neurosurgeon: A Comprehensive Guide
Middle School Preparations
As a middle school student with a strong desire to become a neurosurgeon, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for this challenging and rewarding career. First and foremost, focus on your academic performance, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. This foundation in STEM will be crucial when you reach high school and begin taking advanced courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Additionally, consider engaging in activities that foster your interest in medicine and neuroscience. Participating in science fairs, joining science clubs, or even starting a neuroscience-focused club at your school can help you develop a deeper understanding of the field and its requirements. Furthermore, seeking out opportunities to volunteer at hospitals or shadow medical professionals can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a neurosurgeon.
High School Preparations
Once you reach high school, it’s essential to maintain a rigorous academic schedule. Focus on advanced placement (AP) and honors courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Earning strong grades in these subjects will not only help you build the necessary knowledge base for a neurosurgeon but also demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence when applying to colleges and medical schools.
Concurrently, continue pursuing extracurricular activities related to neuroscience and medicine. Seek out internships or research opportunities at local universities, hospitals, or laboratories. These experiences will not only strengthen your understanding of neuroscience but also help you establish professional connections that may prove beneficial during your undergraduate and medical education.
Undergraduate Education
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for admission to medical school. While there is no specific major required for aspiring neurosurgeons, it’s highly recommended to major in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. During your undergraduate studies, ensure that you complete the prerequisites for medical school admissions, which typically include:
General Biology with lab (2 semesters)
General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
Organic Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
Physics with lab (2 semesters)
Mathematics (through Calculus I)
English composition and literature
Additionally, consider gaining relevant experience through research, internships, or volunteering at hospitals during your undergraduate years. These experiences will not only strengthen your application to medical school but also provide valuable insights into the field of neurosurgery.
Medical Education
To become a neurosurgeon, you must first complete medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. During medical school, you’ll complete two years of classroom and laboratory instruction followed by two years of clinical rotations. During your clinical rotations, express your interest in neurosurgery to the physicians you work with and seek out opportunities to shadow neurosurgeons whenever possible.
Upon completing medical school, you’ll need to match into a neurosurgery residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Neurosurgery residencies typically last seven years and involve extensive clinical training in various aspects of the field, including trauma, pediatrics, oncology, and spine surgery. After completing your residency, you may choose to pursue additional fellowship training in a subspecialty area of neurosurgery such as pediatric neurosurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery.
Licensure and Certification
To practice as a neurosurgeon in the United States, you must obtain a medical license in the state(s) where you intend to practice. This requires passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Additionally, you must become board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) by passing both written and oral examinations. Board certification is not only necessary for practicing as a neurosurgeon but also demonstrates your expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
Authoritative Reference Titles
The Princeton Review: Medical School Admissions Guide - This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into the medical school admissions process and offers practical advice on how to strengthen your application as an aspiring neurosurgeon. It includes tips on course selection, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. The Princeton Review is known for its test preparation materials and college/graduate school admissions guides; this book offers an overview of what medical schools look for in applicants while offering strategies for success throughout the process. - Explore Health Careers: Neurosurgeon - Published by the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Science Education, this resource offers an in-depth overview of the role of a neurosurgeon and provides detailed information on educational requirements, salary ranges, job outlooks, and professional organizations within the field.
The National Institutes of Health is one of the world’s foremost medical research centers; this resource offers accurate information regarding careers in healthcare from an authoritative source within the field itself. - Association of American Medical Colleges: Becoming a Neurosurgeon - This informative article published by the Association of American Medical Colleges provides an overview of the path to becoming a neurosurgeon from undergraduate studies through residency training and board certification. The Association of American Medical Colleges is an authoritative source on medical education in the United States; this resource offers practical advice from professionals within the field while offering guidance throughout each stage of education required for aspiring neurosurgeons.
GOD BLESS!
James.
Carl Manson Jr., PMP
5G Program Manager - Verizon
76
Answers
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Hello Chloe. It's great that at your age, you've already decided on a career path. My advice would be to continue to take classes in math and science. Always strive to take advanced level and AP classes. Work hard to make good grades. This will put you in a position to get in a good school, where you can pursue a major pre-med curriculum that will prepare you for a career in medicine. You still have a very long way to go but it sounds like you are on the right path. Continue to enjoy your childhood and make good grades. This will put you in the best position possible to pursue your passion of being a neurosurgeon.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question, Carl. I will do as you suggested.
Chloe