Is neurosurgery really as hard as people make it out to be?

[barb]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Just wondering. I took that test that matches your personality with a specialty twice and each time it matched me with neurosurgery. I'm totally fascinated by the brain, but people make it as if it's a near impossible thing to do. Does anybody have any insight?

 

[Whisker Barrel Cortex]

It is not extremely hard to get into, if that's what you are asking. The lifestyle during residency is on of the worst out there in terms of hours. However, many people do it, so its obviously possible. You just have to have a real dedication to it. Do a rotation in med school to get a real idea of what it is like before deciding.

 

[droliver]

Its similar in hours to general surgery residencies, cardiothoracic surgery fellowships, and plastic fellowships.

 

[tussy]

It is similar in hours to other surgical residencies, however there is just something about neurosurg that is a step beyond. The senior neurosurg residents all look cachetic, and pale and walk around like they've been crushed by a horrible psychological trauma. On the other hand, the gen surg and ortho seniors seem to be quite normal. I'm not sure what it is about the neurosurg residency that beats them down. Maybe it's just the difference in personality that enter the field.

I say if you really want to do it, don't let anyone talk you out of it. Just do some rotations in it to know what you're getting yourself into.

 

[Ferris]

As with most aspects of medical school/residency, the claims are overstated. Neurosurgery is indeed demanding; however, programs vary with respect to lifestyle and demands. For instance, while there are still Q3 programs (most of which are changing to at least Q4) there are also programs whose call schedules are better than many non-surgical residencies (Q5-Q8). I would encourage a rotation at programs that are at both ends of the spectrum.

A valuable lesson I learned on the interview trail is that most claims about programs/residency programs are unfounded. Also, don't be fooled into thinking that NS is now an easier match. It is true that the % that match is up and that the number of applicants has gone down. But, many students have taken a shot-gun approach to the match and have applied to a record number of positions, unparalleled by previous years. Also, if you ask the residency program director at your institution about the quality of their applicants, they will more than likely tell you that they are as competitive and as impressive as ever.

 

[tulanestudent]

What test did you take that suggests a personality match to a specialty? I would be curious to do that test myself if you could give me some information. thanks

 

[Winged Scapula]

RE: Tussy's description - LOL! Here its the reverse - the Neurosurg residents look relatively well rested whereas the 4th year GS residents resemble "Night of the Living Dead" (our 4yth year is by far the hardest - you are the in-house senior for most services and take all the ER consults.

 

[rws]

Ferris.....Would you mind sharing the names of some of the programs that you consider to be at both ends of the call schedule spectrum?

 

[hosskp1]

I think there is a point that must be made here. People should go inot what they want-- regardless of competition whether it be Neurosurgery, RAdiology, Ortho, ENT, or Derm. You have to be willing to try as long as it takes with 100% dedication to the cause. Some will say accept what ever happens-- but those are the people who usually gave up and decided to move on and could not stand to see you succeed where they failed. Stand your ground to this critical onslaught-- do what is in your heart and mind. Find out where you belong and you will get there-- it might not come as easily as you would like-- but most things that are worth doing are difficult.

 

[barb]

Thank you so much for the info and the words of inspiration, you guys!

For anyone interested, this is the website for the Medical Specialty Aptitude Test that I took. (I don't know how to link things so you'll have to cut and paste).

<a href="http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/specialties/" target="_blank">http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/specialties/</a>