How did you decide on Neuro?

[LaurieB]

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I'm trying to learn as much about specialties early on so that I can make good decisions about electives during my clinical years. Neuro is appeals to me on an academic level, but I have no clue as to whether I would enjoy the clinical work and what kind of job satisfaction I might get from Neuro.

I'm curious to know how you all decided on neuro and when you knew you wanted to do neuro? Also, for those of you in residency, have there been any surprises or is the work what you expected it would be?

Thanks in advance for sharing your stories!
Laurie

 

[bipolarbob]

The study of Neurology is still in it's infancy. If you want to know if you're interested in Neurology then read "the man who mistook his wife for a hat" or " the diving bell and the butterfly". Why do some people with facial paralysis that still smile at a joke? Why do some people only walk if you paint perpendicular lines in front of them? Why will one stroke in me (White American Redneck) destroy my ability to read while the same stroke in a chinese fella doesnt have the same effect on his reading? COOL Stuff, Its true that sometimes the treatment options are limited but there is just too much to learn to do something boring like.......

 

[kita]

Hey.. those are pretty interesting questions.. where can I find the answers?

The study of Neurology is still in it's infancy. If you want to know if you're interested in Neurology then read "the man who mistook his wife for a hat" or " the diving bell and the butterfly". Why do some people with facial paralysis that still smile at a joke? Why do some people only walk if you paint perpendicular lines in front of them? Why will one stroke in me (White American Redneck) destroy my ability to read while the same stroke in a chinese fella doesnt have the same effect on his reading? COOL Stuff, Its true that sometimes the treatment options are limited but there is just too much to learn to do something boring like.......

 

[Brainiac]

Laurie,

I'm a 4th year and currently applying for neurology residency. When I started med school, I thought I wanted to do pediatrics-I had no neuro experience whatsoever and actually hadn't even remotely considered a career in neurology. Like you, I was fascinated by the neuroanatomy/physiology/pathology to which I was exposed during my basic science years and was therefore eager to get some early clinical experience. I decided to do my neuro clerkship early between 2nd and 3rd year and I LOVED it. I have to say that it was pretty hard to keep an open mind for all of my 3rd year clerkships. There were other specialties I found interesting, but neurology just "clicked."

My advice to you is to try to get some early clinical exposure, especially if you go to a school where neurology is a 4th year clerkship, in which case you may not gain any clinical experience before you have to apply for the match. Of course, try out other specialties too-you may just find that you like something more (blasphemous!). You may be able to find a member of the faculty who is willing to be your mentor for some clinical research or may just be open to having a student shadow. You've probably heard most of this advice before, but I hope it helps.

Good luck with your decision making-the good news is that 3rd and 4th year are INFINATELY better than 1st and 2nd, so hang in there!

 

[LaurieB]

Thanks bipolarbob and Brainiac for replying. Your stories are really helpful.

Brainiac, How did you set up your clerkship early? Is that common?

Thanks again!
Laurie

 

[Brainiac]

Laurie,

I go to a school where neuro is a 4th year rotation. We are given the option of taking neuro in between 3rd and 4th year if we get our act together and take our boards early that summer. Obviously, this will not be an option at every school, but even if it is not an option, you can always arrange to shadow neurologists and other specialists for your own benefit. I guess you might approach your school's administration and find out whether an early neuro rotation is a possibility. Good luck!

Thanks bipolarbob and Brainiac for replying. Your stories are really helpful.

Brainiac, How did you set up your clerkship early? Is that common?

Thanks again!
Laurie