Re: How do I become a Neurologist?

Hi Gene.  I am glad that you are interested in becoming a neurologist.  
These specialists provide a vital service for our country. A neurologist is 
trained to  diagnose and treat a variety of neurological conditions such as 
epilepsy, brain tumor, stroke, dementia, headache, back pain, and many other 
symptoms.  Some of these conditions can be treated surgically, but neurologists 
are not trained to be surgeons. The training requires four years of post graduate
internship and residency. After which, one may choose to subspecialize in
dementia, epilepsy, neuromuscular diseases, stroke, movement disorders, or
other areas.

Since I am not my self a neurologist, I found the following information on 
the Internet. This plus the URLs listed below should answer all of your 
questions about becoming a neurologist. Good Luck!


The following is from the American Academy of Neurology
and American Academy of Neurology Education & Research Foundation

What is a neurologist?

A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing,
treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. Pediatric
neurologists are doctors with specialized training in children's neurological
disorders.

A neurologist's educational background and medical training includes an
undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, a one-year internship 
and three years of specialized training. Many neurologists also have additional
training in one area of neurology such as stroke, epilepsy or movement
disorders.

What is the role of a neurologist?

Neurologists are principal care providers or consultants to other 
physicians.  When a patient has a neurological disorder that requires frequent 
care, a neurologist is often the principal care provider. Patients with disorders 
such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis may use a
neurologist as their principal care physician.

In a consulting role, a neurologist will diagnose and treat a neurological
disorder and then advise the primary care physician managing the patient's
overall health. For example, a neurologist would act in a consulting role 
for conditions such as stroke, concussion or headache.

Neurologists can recommend surgical treatment, but do not perform surgery. 
When treatment includes surgery, neurologists will monitor surgically treated
patients and supervise their continuing treatment. Neurosurgeons are medical
doctors who specialize in performing surgical treatments of the brain or
nervous system.

What does a neurologist treat?

Neurologists treat disorders of the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, 
nerves, muscles and pain. Common neurological disorders include:

       Stroke
       Alzheimer's disease
       Headache
       Epilepsy
       Parkinson's disease
       Sleep disorders
       Multiple sclerosis
       Pain
       Tremor
       Brain and spinal cord injuries
       Brain tumors
       Peripheral nerve disorders
       Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

How are neurological disorders treated?

Many disorders can be treated. Treatment or symptomatic relief is different 
for each condition. To find treatment options, neurologists will perform and
interpret tests of the brain or nervous system. Treatment can help patients
with neurological disorders maintain the best possible quality of life.

What is a neurological examination?

During a neurological examination, the neurologist reviews the patient's 
health history with special attention to the current condition. The patient then 
takes a neurological exam. Typically, the exam tests vision, strength, 
coordination, reflexes and sensation. This information helps the neurologist 
determine if the problem is in the nervous system.
Further tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis or to find a specific
treatment.

Why do patients need a neurological examination?

An examination is used when a family doctor seeks a specialized opinion 
about a patient whose symptoms may involve the brain or nervous system. The 
examination may also be performed when a patient wants a second opinion from a 
neurologist.  The neurologist's expertise in disorders of the brain and nervous 
system can give patients effective diagnosis and treatment for neurological 
disorders.

Who advocates for greater patient access to neurologists?

The American Academy of Neurology supports a patient's choice to receive
principal care services from either a neurologist or other physician. The
American Academy of Neurology also supports direct access to neurologists 
and standing referrals for those who require frequent specialty care because of
complex neurological conditions.

Advocating for patients, the American Academy of Neurology supports 
legislation assuring fair treatment of patients with neurological disorders and 
access to necessary medical care.

How can research help patients?

In recent years, research has advanced understanding of the brain's 
fundamental mechanisms. With this new understanding, neurologists are finding new
treatments and, ultimately, cures for many neurological diseases, which are
among the most destructive and costly public health problems in the United
States.

For example, research breakthroughs now allow neurologists to successfully
treat stroke patients with clot-busting medication proven to reduce deaths 
and decrease disability. Research developments have also produced new 
medications that relieve migraines, slow the progression of multiple sclerosis 
and improve movement in Parkinson's patients. These are just a few of the many 
advances gained from research that are improving the lives of millions of men and 
women around the world suffering from neurological disorders.

To keep research advancing toward future cures and treatments, it's 
important for patients to advocate for additional research funding. Contact your 
members of Congress and ask them to support neurology research.

What are the American Academy of Neurology and the American Academy of
Neurology Education & Research Foundation?

The goal of both the American Academy of Neurology and the American Academy 
of Neurology Education & Research Foundation is to support the best possible 
care for patients with neurological disorders.

The American Academy of Neurology is a nonprofit professional medical
association of neurologists and allied neuroscience professionals.

The mission of the American Academy of Neurology Education & Research
Foundation is to encourage research and education in the neurosciences while
advancing public understanding of the disorders of the brain and nervous
system.


FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT:

       Patient Support Groups
       Patient Information Brochures
       Contacting Legislators

CONTACT:

The American Academy of Neurology
1080 Montreal Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55116
Phone: (800) 879-1960
Fax: (651) 695-2791
E-mail: web@aan.com

Web Site: www.aan.com

More Information van be found at the following sites. 
http://www.neurologistjobs.com/ 

http://www.aneuroa.org/ 

http://www.medlib.iupui.edu/hw/neuro/neuro.html 

http://www.medlib.iupui.edu/hw/neuro/academics.html 

http://www.med.harvard.edu/publications/Focus/Jul19_1996/Doctor.html 

http://www.afghanmagazine.com/articles/oct97articles/jahan.html 
http://www.eastnc2.coastalnet.com/~cn3877/index.htm 
http://www.oliversacks.com/ 
http://www.medhelp.org/perl6/neuro/wwwboard.html 
http://www.abpn.com/ 
http://metalab.unc.edu/byers/medlinks/ 
http://www2.mc.duke.edu/neurology/