Neurosurg advice for MSIII

[Outofthebox]

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Hey Guys. I'm an MS3 at solid US medical school. Ive been doing neurosurg research and have been working with neurosurgeons for the past 5 years and its all I've ever wanted to do, specifically spine.
Now that I'm in my 3rd year, lifestyle's becoming a really important factor and family life and interests outside of medicine are very important to me.
I'd like to believe that I can bust my butt during residency, but once I come out, be able to work as a spine surgeon in private practice 5 days a week and make it home for dinner, (and take call when necessary of course)
I'd really appreciate it if you could shed some light on the reality of neurosurg and if I'm living in a dream?
Also, I've heard so many horror stories about the neurosurg residency, so any thoughts from neurosurg residents on true number of hours and how much free time for family/interests would be appreciated.
Thanks again,

 

[A Whole]

If you're interested in spine surgery, you should pursue orthopaedic surgery instead of neurosurgery. The residency for ortho is more humane (although you'll still get your ass handed to you frequently, especially on ortho trauma). You can do a one year spine fellowship after residency and still finish all your training within 6 years. In addition, the malpractice insurance for an orthopaedic spine surgeon tends to be considerably less than that of a neurosurgeon who focuses on spine, because neurosurgeons are trained to perform intradural operations (orthopods stay away from the dura and the cord). The difference in malpractice insurance between the two can be well over $100,000 per year, depending on where you practice. It's a ******ed double standard, but unfortunately it's true.

The lifestyle in neurosurgery is absolutely horrible. Stay away from the field if you want a life.

 

[Aphasic]

(orthopods stay away from the dura and the cord).

Well, they try to at least, but who do they call for their tears and leaks? 🙂