Becoming a neurosurgeon is an arduous but well-rewarded task that takes years of hard work to fulfil. It is during medical school that the groundwork is sown for any medicinal professional and hence, is an important phase of this journey. For neurosurgeons, medical school is where they learn about things like the complex nervous system, among other core medical sciences.
Duration of Medical School
In the U.S., a typical medical school is four years. This phase is dedicated to a complete understanding of the medical sciences followed by applied clinical training. This is how those four years are broken down broadly:
Pre-Clinical Years (first two years)
The first two years of medical school consist of classroom and lab-based instruction. This period see students study a wide number of subjects including, but not limited to; anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and pathology. Theoretical education is given great importance, allowing students to possess an in depth knowledge of medical science and gets familiar with the numerous conditions that can affect the human body.
Past 24 Months: Rotations
The last 2 years, they go into what's called clinical rotations, where they're actually doing hands-on work in different medical fields as guest students. Students participate in rotations either at hospitals or clinical settings, working under the guidance of licensed physicians with enough expertise to use their classroom knowledge in real-life situations. This time is extremely important for all medical students, especially those on the path to becoming a neurosurgeon.
Significance of Medical School for Neurosurgeons
Medical school is the primer for their specialized training and there are residency programs to teach budding neurosurgeons how to operate. While they do not start postgraduate specific neurosurgery training until their residency, the information and technical know-how obtained during medical school is crucial. Neurologists are able to diagnose and treat neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, dementia or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by learning about the basics of human health and disease.
Post-Medical School Training
Neurosurgery Residency: After four years of medical school, aspiring neurosurgeons then enter a neurosurgery residency program this is very long compared to most other specialties. A person decides that he or she is interested in pursuing a career as a neurosurgeon, and enters one of these seven year residency programs were they are trained to perform surgery on the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
Continuous Education
The education of a neurosurgeon does not end with residency. Advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques are changing the landscape of neurosurgery. So there is a need for neurosurgeons to be updated and board certified to keep pace with the newest development through life-long learning.
People who are interested in a global multicultural society, especially like Shanghai, should of course know the answer to the question: What language do they speak in Shanghai, in order to communicate with colleagues and clients on social occasions or business meetings.
In short, Neurosurgeons are in Medical school for four years which is merely the beginning of the long educational journey. This is where they learn their basic medical knowledge which will be the foundation on which to build their advanced training in neurosurgery that follows. These initial formative years of education are essential for providing a strong foundation on which students will build their careers as neurosurgeons.