A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. Here are the steps that you will need to follow to become the best neurologist in India.
Clear Your +2 Board Exams with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
If you plan to enter the medical field of neurology, then clearing your 12th standard is one of the first things you need to do. You need to get good marks in these three subjects to pursue a career in this niche subject area. If you plan to clear medical entrance exams, then keeping chemistry as a significant subject will help you in the long run.
Prepare For NEET-UG
The next step is to prepare for NEET-UG. This exam has become the minimum eligibility criteria now to apply in most colleges. Apart from this, it also serves as a means to get into top medical colleges around India. The best way to be successful in the national level medical entrance exams is by following a good study plan.
Get A Bachelor Degree
After you have qualified for NEET-UG, you need to get admission to a good medical college. Your NEET score will play an essential role in the admission process. A bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery (MBBS) is required for pursuing MD/MS courses. Some colleges also prefer a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), obtained after completing your MBBS.
Complete Your Training
The next step is to complete the training of a medical practitioner, which may vary from six years to nine years. After this period, you can also consider postgraduate courses for specialization in neurology or any other field you wish to choose as your area of practice.
Earn MD Degree
After your training, you need to register for the MD/MS degree. This is a postgraduate course and takes around three years to complete. The students can choose their subjects and research topic during their master’s program.
Acquire D.M. in Neurology
A DM is a doctoral degree awarded by the NBE to doctors who have completed their M.D. in any branch of medicine and surgery from an institute recognized by it. A candidate must possess a valid NEET-PG score or DNB/DM/MCH/Diploma in Neurology.
Roles And Responsibilities of a Neurologist
A neurologist is a doctor who deals with the brain, spine and nervous system. They provide treatment for stroke patients and also deal with epilepsy cases. As they play an essential role in a patient’s diagnosis, so their responsibilities include:
● Patient care and maintenance
● Provide diagnostic services to detect neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and others
● Provide treatment for the above-mentioned disorders
● Diagnosing diseases that affect nerves throughout the body, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or sciatica.
● Treatment of speech, movement, bladder/bowel problems caused by neurological conditions like brain tumours or epilepsy.
Neurologist vs Neuroscience
A neurologist deals with diseases that affect the brain, spine, and nervous system.
On the other hand, Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field of study dedicated to understanding the function and interactions of neurons and neuronal systems, including circuits and networks. It also involves research on glial cells (which support neuron functioning) and research on the development, connections and repair of neurons.
Skills Required to Be the Best Neurologist in India
Neurologists need to be good problem-solvers as they diagnose and treat disorders that affect the nervous system. They must always keep themselves updated with the latest advances in their field through seminars and conferences. The neurological conditions are very complex and require the doctors to be well-equipped with knowledge in all aspects of disease management.
Neurologists also need excellent communication skills, as they have to interact with patients from different cultural backgrounds. The nature of their job requires them to work mostly independently, without the support of any other health care professional. A good neurologist must be empathetic and patient-oriented.
Key Employment Area of Neurologist
Below are the areas where neurologists can find employment:
● Government Hospitals
● Private Practice
● Private Hospitals
● Specialist Hospitals
● Medical Colleges
● Armed Forces Medical Services
● Spine and Brain Hospitals
● Railways Medical Facilities
Neurology is a career with a lot of scope in India, as this field has been growing rapidly over the past few years. The best neurologists in India can work anywhere from community clinics to private hospitals or even big corporate hospitals and nursing homes. They may also choose to specialize through post-doctoral training programs such as DNB/DM/MCH/Diploma in Neurology.
Neurologists may work under the supervision of other senior doctors, or they can choose to practice autonomously. Once neurologist has gained enough experience and expertise, they can also open their private practice. There is a lot of scope for them in teaching hospitals or universities as well.
