How to Become a Neurologist

About Neurologist

Neurologists are medical doctors or osteopath who treat nervous system, spinal cord, brain, nerves, muscles and pain disorders. They are well-trained to investigate, diagnose and treat neurological disorders. They perform various clinical trials and undertake many basic, advanced and clinical research. Most of the neurologists work in hospitals and they usually work more than 40 hours a week. This career has a potential for high income and provides one with great satisfaction as they improve people’s health and save their lives. Usually, a neurologist may specialize in more than one specific area such as a headache medicine, neurocritical care, autonomic disorders, child neurology, neuro-oncology and others. 

Eligibility to become Neurologist

To become a neurologist, candidates must have passed class 12th with PCB- Physics, Chemistry and Biology and to qualify for a medical examination aspirants need to have a valid score of NEET-UG examination. Once the candidates are done with their respective MBBS program, they are required to take up the master’s program in Neurology.

Aspiring neurologists begin their postgraduate training with the 1-year internship program. This helps them gain advanced experience with patients and in healthcare practices. Once they are done with their postgraduation, it is necessary for them to pursue their 3-year neurology residency program. The residency program helps them gain experience regarding neurological disorders and issues.

• Candidates must have passed class 12th or equivalent examination with a minimum of 50% aggregate of reserved category and 40% for the reserved category from a recognised board.
• Must have a valid NEET UG score.
• Candidates should be at least 17 years of age to appear in the NEET UG exam and the upper age limit for the same is 25 years.

Types of Job Roles Neurologist

After completing the required formal education and residency program in the field of neurology, there are various neurologist job profiles available. Some of the popular neurologist job profiles are listed below:

Neurologist- Neurologists are physicians who specialize in nervous system disorders. To become a neurologist's extensive medical training is required. This is a good career choice for individuals who have a passion for learning about and treating diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.

Neuro Physician- They are the clinical practitioners or doctors who treat neurological diseases through the use of medicine and non-surgical interventions. They specialise in the treatment of the diseases related to loss of memory, forgetfulness, stroke and in the management of neuromuscular pain.

Neurosurgeons- They are the doctors who treat neurological diseases through the use of both medical and surgical interventions. They treat both acute and chronic problems.

Employment Opportunities for a Neurologist

Employment opportunities for neurologist are available both in India and abroad. These clinical practitioners are one of the highest paid in the medical profession due to the complexity involved in their job. Some of the popular employment opportunities available for neurologists are:

• Government Hospitals
• Spine and Brain Hospitals
• Private Hospitals
• Armed Forces Medical Services
• Railways Medical Facilities
• Private practice
• Specialist Hospitals
• Medical Colleges

Top Recruiting Companies for a Neurologist

Some of the leading super speciality hospitals that recruit neurologist/neurosurgeons in India are as follows:

• Indian Armed Forces Medical Services
• Max Hospital
• Fortis
• Artemis
• Apollo Hospitals
• AIIMS

Pay Scale/Salary of Neurologist

The salary of neurologist varies as per their specialization and the type of organisation they work for. Some neurologists who do private practice tend to earn way more than neurologists working in public/private hospitals. The average (median salary) of a renowned Neurologists is Rs 1,850, 209 annually. Whereas a neurosurgeon earns an average salary of Rs 2,757,165 annually.  Professional years and speciality strongly influence income in the field of neurosurgery.

Note: The salary of a neurologist depends on one's job profile, company, location and professional experience.

Books & Study Material to Become Neurologist

 To become a neurologist it is very important for aspirants to have the right set of books and study material which will help them crack medical entrance examinations and secure a seat.  Becoming a neurologist is a step-by-step process and years of preparation, hard work and dedication go into the same. Listed below are the medical books and study material that will help the candidates in the preparation of the entrance exam :

• NCERT Books of Class 11th and 12th for all subjects
• Adam and Victor Principles of Neurology
• Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice
• Demyer's The Neurological Examination
• Principles of Neural Science by Eric. R Kendal

Apart from the academic books, you can also read motivational and success stories book which will help keep your mind fresh and will boost your morale during the examinations. 

Pros of becoming a Neurologist

• You can make a huge difference in the life of your patients and their families, therefore the nature of the job is very satisfying.
• The advantages of being a neurologist are that the work is challenging which keeps you doing something.
• They are one of the most respected and intellectual doctors.
• The pay scale of neurologists is very high.

Cons of becoming a Neurologist

• There is a lot of education requirement required to become neurologist and one has to invest more than 10 years in the same before becoming a neurologist.
• Apart from the requirement of formal education, the fee of the medical school is very expensive.
• The work is really stressful and there's a lot of pressure on you as the patient's recovery can be slow at times. One is required to have work 60 hours a week which is long.