Difference between 5 and 7 year residencies?

[DoctaJay]

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Hey, I was looking on the AAMC specialty site, and they said that neurosurgery residencies can go from 5 to 7 years. What makes it 5 years or 7 years? Is it like some general surgury programs where the residency can be 7 years because of 2 years of required research? Being a neurosurgeon after 5 years doesn't sound too bad.

 

[mpp]

That does not include the PGY-1 year. Neurosurgery residency programs are all between 6 and 8 years (with most being 7 years) in length.

 

[DoctaJay]

Do you think that a neurosurgeon right out of residency (without any training after that) would make more than a general surgeon right out of residency (without any additional training)? Or do just about all neurosurgeons have to do a fellowship in something after they finish residency? Also, could you explain this PGY-1 year to me? Is it like a required prelim year like the general surgery year for orthpedic surgery residencies? Sorry for all the questions...I'm just a day dreaming premed.

 

[Arctic Char]

i recommend checking out the FAQ sections in the "Surgical and Surgical Sub-Specialties" forum. you'll get all you want and more. best of luck

 

[betz]

Do you think that a neurosurgeon right out of residency (without any training after that) would make more than a general surgeon right out of residency (without any additional training)?

Ummmm, yes. But the 2 fields are completely different. And if you are deciding your specialty based on money, you should really second guess your decision for medicine. You can make lots of money in other fields.

Or do just about all neurosurgeons have to do a fellowship in something after they finish residency?

No, a fellowship is not needed. Usually a fellowship is for those who wish to do academic neurosurgery.

Also, could you explain this PGY-1 year to me? Is it like a required prelim year like the general surgery year for orthpedic surgery residencies?

Yes, its the same prelim year as the others.

 

[DoctaJay]

Do you think that a neurosurgeon right out of residency (without any training after that) would make more than a general surgeon right out of residency (without any additional training)?

Ummmm, yes. But the 2 fields are completely different. And if you are deciding your specialty based on money, you should really second guess your decision for medicine. You can make lots of money in other fields.

Or do just about all neurosurgeons have to do a fellowship in something after they finish residency?

No, a fellowship is not needed. Usually a fellowship is for those who wish to do academic neurosurgery.

Also, could you explain this PGY-1 year to me? Is it like a required prelim year like the general surgery year for orthpedic surgery residencies?

Yes, its the same prelim year as the others.

Thanks alot for the reply. I actually really don't want to go into the neurosurgery for the money. Actually, I'm really interested in general surgery, but this week in gross anatomy, we took took and dissected the brain, and I was in HEAVEN!!! It was the coolest thing I've ever done, and the brain is the coolest thing I've ever studied. So because of all these feelings I"ve had lately (lol, even though I know its really early) I think I'm starting to lean towards neurosurgery. And when I put it in perspective that its only 2 years longer than General surgery, it doesn't sound so bad after all.

 

[betz]

Thats good. I agree, neurosurgery IS the coolest specialty. 😉 If you like neuroanatomy, and think you are interested in neurosurg, its good to know before med school since it can help you decide on the school you want to go to. You definately want to go somewhere that HAS a neurosurgery program, because some schools dont.