Neuro Vs Im Lifestyle

[filedsearcher]

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I have a strong interest in both neuro and IM, and have pretty much decided that lifestyle as a practicing neurologist or internist(possibly endo) in the private setting will probably decide what I will go into.

Do one of these fields have a signficantly better lifestyle than the other?

I know hours worked/call schedule vary, but what is a typical workweek like for a general neurologist in private practice regarding hours worked/call?

Thanks

 

[chagall]

I have a similar question (since I was recently debating between those two fields too). In terms of residencies, are neuro residencies generally much harder, hours-wise, than IM? I'm most tempted to go into neuro out of love for the specialty, but want to make sure I can handle the hours of residency (I don't do so well with overnight call, particularly).

 

[melmc]

I don't know if have a specific, credible answer to you questions, but I just had to comment how I think it is funny that there are several others that are debating between endo and neuro. I was torn between the two until only a couple of months ago. For me, it came down to the fact that I don't really want to have to do 3 years of general IM to finally get to what I love. I'd rather do the 1 year prelim and get right into neuro.

In terms of longterm lifestyle, everyone always says "it depends" in every field, which I'm sure is true. My endo attending was in private practice, and he had an awesome lifestyle. Minimal call and plenty of time for each patient (incl paperwork and dictations) so that work didn't go home with him in the evenings.

In terms of residency hours, I think there is a little bit of both extremes in either field--some where you work as few as 50 hrs/wk, others that max out at the 80/wk limit. From my research, it looks like there is a reasonable amount of variation from program to program with the elective time offered, call free clinic rotations, nightfloat, etc. It just depends on what you're looking for. I doubt this really answers any questions, but it's really all I've got at this point without getting into areas where I'm not really qualified to comment.

Good luck in deciding!

 

[missfrancon]

if u love wat u do?then why shud the hours matter?wen u got into medicine, i mean everyone constantly warns you how tough the hours are going to be. so it seriously should not be an issue after this many years of medical school.i say do wat u love.

 

[filedsearcher]

The hours MATTER because medicine is not the only thing I love. I love my family, I love my wife, and I am assuming I will love my children, I love my hobbies, I love..... That is why the hours matter. I never understand why medical students say do what your interested in. You have to look at the big picture, and find a balance between all the different things that are important to you.

 

[RaistlinMajere]

The hours MATTER because medicine is not the only thing I love. I love my family, I love my wife, and I am assuming I will love my children, I love my hobbies, I love..... That is why the hours matter. I never understand why medical students say do what your interested in. You have to look at the big picture, and find a balance between all the different things that are important to you.

I couldn't agree more. Obviously you have to like what you do, but balance is important, especially with a family. I'm considering both these fields so I'm interested in seeing if anyone else has any additional thoughts.

 

[missfrancon]

im sayin here that residency is going to busy no matter wat u do. sure balance is key but during residency from wat i m hearing its tough regardless of wat u do more or less. but after you finish whether you go the neuro route or IM route, u can tailor your career the way you want by taking up fellowships to subspecialize etc.

 

[BrainBuff]

You should start thinking of Neurology as a specialty of Internal Medicine, just like Cardiology, Pulmonary and so forth. The work hours are the same and it will all depend how you tailor your practice and the kind of set up you develop or become involve with.

An internist has office hours, admits patients to the hospital and in most major cities needs to have privileges at several hospitals in order to have a larger practice. A neurologist needs to do ALL THAT, PLUS be available for consultations at all the hospitals he has privileges at.

If you are looking for "lifestyle" in any of the medical specialties, you are only really going to find it in Dermatology. The rest ( RAPE specialties ) used to have great lifestyles but now are mostly at the mercy of providers and hospitals. They are not what they used to be.

Then again, your lifestyle is going to depend on how busy you want to be. You can have a strictly outpatient practice, you can stay in the faculty at some institution or you can work for an HMO or Clinic 9-5PM. If that's what you want to do, do not expect to make more than very low in the six figures range.

 

[ndspider]

You should start thinking of Neurology as a specialty of Internal Medicine, just like Cardiology, Pulmonary and so forth. The work hours are the same and it will all depend how you tailor your practice and the kind of set up you develop or become involve with.

An internist has office hours, admits patients to the hospital and in most major cities needs to have privileges at several hospitals in order to have a larger practice. A neurologist needs to do ALL THAT, PLUS be available for consultations at all the hospitals he has privileges at.

If you are looking for "lifestyle" in any of the medical specialties, you are only really going to find it in Dermatology. The rest ( RAPE specialties ) used to have great lifestyles but now are mostly at the mercy of providers and hospitals. They are not what they used to be.

Then again, your lifestyle is going to depend on how busy you want to be. You can have a strictly outpatient practice, you can stay in the faculty at some institution or you can work for an HMO or Clinic 9-5PM. If that's what you want to do, do not expect to make more than very low in the six figures range.

I expect to make at least 140,000! If not, no consult for you! (in the soup kitchen manner).