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What is a Neurosurgeon?
A
neurosurgeon is a specialist who treats disorders of the nervous
system, which includes the brain, skull, arterial blood supply,
spinal cord, nerves, and the spine.
Educational requirements are rigorous including 4 hears of
college, 4 years of medical school, a one-year general surgical
internship, and 6 to 7 years as a neurosurgical resident. The
resident spends time in research, basic sciences, neurology,
neuroradiology, neuropathology and neurosurgery.
The
American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) maintains
professional standards and has developed stringent requirements
for training in fundamental clinical skills and neurological
surgery. Neurological surgeons are also trained in neurology,
neuropathology, neuroradiology, and critical care medicine.
Each year, the ABNS administers the Primary Examination (Part
I), a written test to evaluate a trainee’s skills. After a period
of two years, the Oral Examination (Part II) is given as part of
an intensive review of the candidate’s clinical and surgical
knowledge. Other requirements include successful review by the
Credentials Committee and a General Certificate. These steps
ensure the candidate has fulfilled the training requirements of
the ABNS, is competent and has maintained satisfactory performance
and ethical conduct. Those neurosurgeons who have successfully
completed this series of examinations are awarded ABNS Board
Certification.
Some neurosurgeons are Fellowship trained, which means they
have received in depth training beyond their residency in a
super-specialty of neurosurgery such as the spine. Fellowships
usually involve clinical experience combined with research in the
super-specialty for one or two years.
In addition to these years of learning and training,
the neurosurgeon must attend numerous hours of Continuing Medical
Education courses throughout their careers so as to both maintain
their license to practice and to stay current with medical
advances.
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