Neurology

Sophie Baldwin, 3/21/24

Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and blood vessels. Unlike neurosurgeons, neurologists do not perform surgical procedures but rather focus on the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders such as seizures, headaches, and strokes. Neurology is extremely diverse, and there are many subspecialties and varieties within patients and the severity of their disorders. Neurologists can practice in either an in-patient or out-patient setting, often forming long-term connections with their patients.

Fast Facts

• Salary: $280,000

• DO friendly? Yes

• IMG friendly? Yes

• Competitiveness: Low

• Match rate: 98%

• Average step-one: 232

• Surgical? No

Becoming a Neurologist

• 4 years of undergraduate

• 4 years of medical school

• 1 transitional/preliminary year

• 3 years of neurology residency

• 1-4 years of fellowship (optional)

Work-life Balance

Neurologists typically have a good lifestyle. Unlike neurosurgeons, neurologists are less frequently called in for emergencies. The training length for neurology is medium, and they are compensated averagely compared to other physician salaries. Neurologists can have more freedom in their lifestyle by choosing to work in a private practice setting. Private practice physicians have more flexibility in setting their own hours.

Fellowships

• Child Neurology (3 years)

• Clinical Neurophysiology (1 years)

• Critical Care Medicine (1-2 years)

• Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (4 years)

• Pain Management (1 year)

• Vascular Neurology (1 year)

Job Satisfaction and Outlook

• 60% report burnout (NIH)

• 67% report job satisfaction (NIH)

• 7% projected job growth (2018-2028) (Zippia)

Sources

https://residency.wustl.edu/choosing-a-specialty/specialty-descriptions/neurology/

https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/how-competitive-is-a-neurology-residency/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5344080/

https://www.zippia.com/neurologist-jobs/trends/