Neurologist Job Description

Neurologist treats the problems of central, peripheral and autonomous nervous system and effector tissues like blood vessels and muscles. Some neurologists are specialized in surgeries and are called neurosurgeons and some may be specialized in treatment of child neurological disorders called pediatric neurologists.

The neurologist job description is same for all the neurologists specialized in different areas. Given here are some medical conditions that are diagnosed and treated by neurologists:

• Cognitive / behavioral syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Traumatic injuries of brain
• Cerebrovascular diseases like sleep disorder, cerebral palsy and encephalitis

• Tumor in brain and spinal cord
• Neurodegenerative disorder (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease)
• Infections in peripheral nervous system
• Movement disorder
• Encephalopathy
• Altered mental state

This will answer your query of how to become a neurologist? For this medical job, one has to complete premed (undergraduate) education for four years in science. Premed is preceded by medical school of four years and three to four years of internship as per the specialization chosen.

Internship includes one year of training in internal medicine or surgery and three years of training in neurological diagnostic procedures. After fulfilling a neurologist's education requirements, one needs to get a certificate from American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or from the American Board of Medical Specialties to start the practice.

Neurologists are in great demand in many of the unserved and rural communities. Hospitals and clinics are running short of qualified candidates. Neurologists have great opportunities in hospitals, group medical practice and in network of health care. Self-employment is also an option available once they have a good experience in hand.

A neurologist should be willing to work in 24x7 environment. Caring personality and excellent communication skill are qualities that are of paramount importance. Other qualities required are to work under pressure and ability of multitasking in hectic and critical situations. Good management skills are also necessary to manage other administrative employees.

The compensations of neurologists depend on the educational qualification, years of experience in the field and the university from where the education has been acquired. It is one of the highest paid jobs.

According to the various surveys conducted, median salary of a neurologist is around USD 206,000 per year. Neurologist associated with reputed hospitals are enjoying handsome salary and perks. A neurologist's salary can range between USD 93,000 to USD 414,000 per year once he gets an experience of around 7 to 8 years.

Neurology has ample career opportunities for eligible candidates. A neurologist can be promoted to a managerial level if he is eligible, expert in his field and exhibits leadership qualities. He who maintains good records have chances to be promoted earlier. They can be a part of medical public relation and publish articles in scientific and medical journal.

From the illustrated job description and responsibilities mentioned in the article, we can understand that the job of a neurologist demands quality education, good communication and management skills, patience, humility, and dedication. This is a highly paid job and has immense growth opportunity.