With approximately 1 in 6 people affected by some neurologic disorder, the demand for neurologists is clearly rising. This challenging and rewarding branch of medicine attracts many students intrigued by the workings of the human brain.

If you, too, are interested in examining, studying, scrutinizing, diagnosing, and eventually uncovering solutions to brain-related disorders, then this article is for you. 

Undoubtedly, diagnosing and treating clinical conditions related to our brain and nervous system is hugely intriguing and rewarding. But it is also challenging, one demanding a refined skill set and a passion for the medical field.

Therefore, this post will uncover all the merits and demerits of pursuing a super speciality in Neurology, along with its career scope, role and more.

Also Read: Super Speciality in Cardiology & Surgical Gastroenterology

Role of a Neurologist

Individuals who opt for a career as neurologists assess and treat various conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. These include Stroke, Epilepsy, Lou Gehrig's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Brain Tumors, and countless others. 

Neurology is a speciality with a great deal of variety since there are more diseases in this field than in any other medical specialities. You will diagnose patients suffering from neurological problems and refer them for further investigations. Managing long-term issues such as Epilepsy and Parkinson's disease is also the role of a neurologist. 

Merits

Neurology is a highly regarded & respected medical speciality that offers ample opportunities. Considering the diverse range of brain related disorders and the emerging technological advancements in treatment, it is safe to say that this super speciality is an advantageous career option. Following are some of the advantages: 

• Full of clinical practice
• The complexity of the subject makes the branch fascinating 
• Maximum clinical prospectus is involved
• Emergencies are less
• Highly rewarding 
• Lucrative salary and opportunities to work abroad

Demerits

While the merits seem attractive, the field isn’t without its fair share of demerits too. Once you decide to become a neurologist, you will have to commit to a lengthy and rigorous education journey that includes one of the most competitive entrance exams - NEET SS, a demanding internship, and career-long learning.

• Most of the illnesses are chronic and progressive and the current treatments are not very effective
• Demands a lot of patience 
• Interventions are less as compared to other branches of medicine
• Lengthy work hours

Career Scope

Neurologists are one of the highest-paid medical professionals due to the complexity of their job. Neurology has immense career scope as it comes with employment opportunities both in India and abroad. In addition, one can easily choose to work with a government or a private hospital. Job opportunities are also open in specialist hospitals and medical colleges.  

In addition to that, the career scope in Neurology includes the following:

• New emerging interventions like an endovascular therapist
• Research and drug trials
• Approach abroad for further research
• Opportunities as a clinician, researcher, academician 
• No. of centers are increasing, so one can get good experience in further sub-speciality like Parkinson’s disease, minor procedures like Botulinum toxin, Stroke, and Epilepsy surgery.

Recommending Institute

• Central institutes

Things to Consider Before Choosing Neurology

Enlisted below are some must-have skills that a neurologist must possess.

• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills to manage your relationship with colleagues, patients and their families  
• Emotional resilience and a calm temperament 
• Ability to work well under pressure  
• Teamwork and the skill to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams  
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Diagnostic skills  
• Exception time and resource management

No matter which speciality you choose, remember this PrepLadder has your back. Our leading faculty and excellent study content will make your NEET SS exam preparation journey smooth and effective. Also, don't forget to make note of the important updates in Neurology from Harrison 21st edition.

https://youtu.be/tcnBJ5ATXME

Own Your Dream
Team PrepLadder