Neurology is the study of the nervous system. Neurologists study the anatomy, functions and disorders that are associated with the nerves and the brain of the human body. This is an intricate examination of how the nerves and brain are able to cooperate together in order to allow humans to carry out their day-to-day functions. This research is essential to the progress of society as a whole because it provides information about the nervous system that allows medical professionals to better understand the origins of mental disorders, thus allowing for developments to control such illnesses.
The possibilities of the future for the field of neurology are truly astounding. Approximately 16,366 neurologists practice in the United States as of now and this number is projected to increase in the years to come. Therefore, the job outlook for this occupation is impressive as employment opportunities are predicted to increase by 14 percent by 2024. There is a vast diversity of duties that neurologists are expected to carry out. Such responsibilities include conducting research, teaching students, diagnosing and treating patients, determining the best course of treatment and writing articles for medical journals.
Becoming a neurologist takes years of dedication and committed work. After graduating high school, a student must attend college, and in the junior year of undergraduate studies, the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) is taken. Based in the score of this examination, students are granted acceptance by medical schools. After four years of medical schools, students are accredited with the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. Following this, doctors will participate in a one-year internship and a three-year residency. After this, some neurologists may choose to participate in a fellowship program, which would allow them to acquire many research opportunities. Others may start to practice the profession in a hospital setting.
Although the road to becoming a neurologist seems to be extremely arduous, the benefits of the job tend to outweigh the amount of effort required. The median salary is $241,062, although this figure may be lower for neurologists who are starting to practice at an entry level with little or no experience. Salaries vary depending on the facility that one chooses to work with; however, as a general rule of thumb, those who work at well-known hospitals tend to be paid a higher salary than those practicing at clinics. There are also jobs in the research field for neurologists who are not as fond of patient interaction. The job of a research neurologist is also in high demand due to the myriad of possibilities for curing various disorders of the nervous system. Along with the salary, many jobs offer a variety of benefits. For example, some hospitals may provide doctors with healthcare insurance and sometimes their family members can be included onto their plan as well.
Overall, neurology is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, and people who choose this field of study do not have a difficult time finding a job since neurologists are in such high demand at this time. The study of the nervous system has allowed for much advancement in treating mental illnesses in our society, and many more discoveries are still to be made. Students should not feel threatened by the years of work required to become a neurologist, and instead should feel exhilarated to explore the endless possibilities that neurology has to offer.
