Skills Needed in Order to Be a Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons treat not only brain disorders and injuries, such as tumors and head trauma, but also deal with the spine and the nervous system. Neurosurgeons also complete some of the longest and most difficult education and training requirements of any doctors, including four years of medical school, an internship, a residency program of five to eight years, and often additional specialization training through fellowships. They must combine physical and mental skills with high-tech knowledge and superior communication and administrative acumen.
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Intelligence
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Whatever physical skills a potential neurosurgeon may possess, those traits will never be used if he doesn't have the intellect to successfully complete academic requirements. Four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, and residency and fellowship requirements of as many as 10 years all test the mental capacity of neurosurgery students. Math, science, anatomy, chemistry, pathology, pharmacology, business, written and verbal skills, and expertise in technological advances and cutting-edge techniques are only a few areas in which neurosurgeons must excel. Organization, the ability to concentrate, and well-developed memory skills are paramount for the rigorous curriculum.
Physical Skills
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By the same token, high scholastic achievement will take neurosurgeon aspirants only so far. Excellent eye sight is a prerequisite, as are stamina, good hand-eye coordination and precise manual dexterity. Overall general good health is important, as well.
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Social Skills
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A good bedside manner is a top priority for neurosurgeons. They're often dealing with patients who are experiencing life-threatening physical challenges, as well as severe emotional and mental hurdles. Neurosurgeons must exude confidence in their own skills and in the ability of patients to handle the treatment options that lie ahead. They must deal not only with patients but also with patients' families, staff members and other physicians.
Administrative/Business Skills
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Whether working in private practice or as a hospital or department administrator, a neurosurgeon has to know what's going on with everyone who serves on his team and must be aware of the business impact of his decisions. Knowledge of business practices, insurance matters, personnel, regulatory issues, and policies and procedures are necessary. Helping patients prepare for visits is also key, including providing information via a web site or written materials about details like disease and condition material, and supplying forms that may be completed prior to coming into the office.
Leadership
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Neurosurgeons must be leaders, both during surgery and in private practice. The ability to remain calm under pressure and exhibit confidence under duress is an indispensable quality. Many decisions a neurosurgeons makes literally are life-and-death matters, and their decisions also affect other people, including staff members and hospital administrators, whose reputations---along with that of the institutions for whom they work---are on the line.
Inquisitiveness
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A neurosurgeon's education is never really at an end. He must remain alert to, and accepting of, new surgical techniques and keep abreast of technological innovations. Reading appropriate medical journals, talking with colleagues, attending conferences and meeting continuing-education requirements are a part of a neurosurgeon's job description. A healthy and inexhaustible dose of curiosity serves a neurosurgeon well. Analytical, diagnostic and problem-solving skills can all be honed through research and preparation.
Compassion
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As with any doctor or physician specialty, compassion is as important as physical skills, education and theoretical knowledge. The ability to sympathize with patients' conditions and challenges is crucial and is an important medical component in recovery. Even visiting a doctor is anxiety-inducing to many people; dealing with a life-threatening condition involving the brain, spine or nervous system---including diseases such as Parkinson's and epilepsy---can be overwhelming. Providing free services, or services not fully compensated, are also ways to contribute to the community.
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