Career in Neurology– Neurology is the branch of biology or medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of the nervous system. It is the study of nerves and the medical speciality linked to the human nervous system. The specialist in this field is known as a Neurologist. They are well-trained to examine, diagnose and treat neurological disorders. They perform several clinical trials and undertake many basic, advanced and clinical research. Most of the neurologists are employed in hospitals and usually work more than 60 hours a week.
This career has a prospective 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 headache medicine, neurocritical care, autonomic disorders, child neurology, neuro-oncology and others. Several Reasons such as the disappearance of the joint family system, highly competitive environment, and hectic working conditions can take a toll on the nervous system of the human being causing several degenerative brain disorders. Thus, increasing the demand for qualified neurologists in the near future.
Career in Neurology: Pros and Cons
Before beginning a career in neurology, candidates must be aware of the pros and cons of the field. Check below the list of pros and cons one will face as a neurologist-
Pros
- One of the pros of being a neurologist is the challenging work nature which keeps the doctor doing something.
- The pay scale of neurologists is very high.
- They are one of the most respected and intellectual doctors.
- One can make a huge difference in the life of the patients and their families making the nature of the job very satisfying.
Cons
- Apart from the requirement of formal education, the fee of medical colleges is very expensive.
- The work is tiring and there’s a lot of pressure on the doctor as the patient’s recovery can be slow at times. One is required to have work 60 hours a week.
- There are a lot of educational requirements required to become a neurologist and one has to invest more than 10 years in the same before becoming a neurologist.
Career in Neurology: Eligibility Criteria
To become a neurologist, the aspirants must have passed class 12th with PCB- Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The candidates need to qualify a medical examination with a valid score. NEET-UG is the qualifying exam for admission to the MBBS program. Once the candidates are done with their respective MBBS program, they are required to pursue a master’s program in Neurology.
Aspiring neurologists begin their postgraduate training with a 1-year internship. This helps them get advanced experience with patients and in healthcare practices. Once they are done with their post graduation, it is significant for them to pursue their 3-year neurology residency program. The residency program helps them acquire experience regarding neurological disorders and issues.
- The 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.
- The aspirant must have a valid NEET UG score.
- The candidates should be a minimum of 17 years old to appear in the NEET UG exam and the upper age limit for the same is 25 years.
- Several entrance exams are conducted at the national and university level for admission to post-graduation courses in neurology.
Career in Neurology: Courses
Neurology is one of the most recognized and complex branches of medicine requiring several years of study. One must first become a medical doctor to become a Neurologist. In India, various courses are offered in the field of Neurology. Check below the courses available to make a career in neurology-
Courses for Career in Neurology
| Name of the Course | Duration |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) | 5.5 years (compulsory) |
| MD/DNB in General Medicine or Pediatrics. | 3 years |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Neurology | 2 years |
| Doctor of Medicine in Neurology | 3 years |
| Master of Physiotherapy (M.P.T.) in Neurology | 2 years |
Career in Neurology: Colleges/Institutes
The aspirants can pursue MD followed by DM in Neurology to obtain a degree in the field. In India, there are several medical institutes offering specialization courses in neurology. The degree will help the candidates to get rewarding employment. Check below the list of top medical colleges offering courses in neurology-
Top Medical Institutes
| Name | City | Fees per annum in INR |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences | New Delhi | 2,550 |
| Amrita School of Medicine | Kochi | 12 lacs |
| Baba Farid University of Health Sciences | Faridkot | 1.52 lacs |
| Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute | Bangalore | 66,700 |
| Bombay Hospital and Institute of Medical Sciences | Mumbai | 64,400 |
| Dayanand Medical College and Hospital | Ludhiana | 6 lacs |
| Gandhi Medical College | Kozhikode | 24,000 |
| Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences | New Delhi | 8,560 |
| Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research | Chandigarh | 3,370 |
| Smt. N H L Municipal Medical College | Ahmedabad | 4.18 lacs |
Career in Neurology: Skillset Requirements
Neurologists work to treat or improve ailments in the brain and nervous system, including the spinal tissues. Though these doctors do not perform surgery, it is on their suggestion and diagnoses that make a patient eligible for such operations.
They work complexly with psychiatrists and general practitioners to ease the condition of their specific patients. As such, they require accuracy and communication skills, as well as an ability to think outside a given pattern and come up with sometimes exceptional solutions. Check below the skill required to make a career in Neurology-
Diagnostic Skills- Neurologists are responsible for diagnosing their patients, and are expected to have a strong understanding of testing results coming in from CT scans, MRIs, spinal tap studies and observational records of patients.
Communication Skills- Neurologists are required to listen to the description of symptoms thoroughly. They must be able to connect what the patients are feeling to what the possible reason could be. They have to separate the emotion their patients bring along with their problems to cut to the meat of the medical problem.
Research Skills- Neurologists also conduct research in the anticipations of making medical advancements and providing new treatments.
Memory Skills- Neurologists need excellent memory skills, not only to meet the specific needs and desires of each of their patients but also to keep the wealth of medical possibilities and test possibilities close at hand.
Other Skills
- The ability to communicate empathetically with the patients.
- Teamwork skills
- Reading, enquiring and researching to look for solutions to difficult issues such as challenges in diagnosis.
- Problem-solving by observing, listening and enquiring questions
- Organisation and time-management skills
- An interest in anatomy, physiology, the nervous system and other body systems
Career in Neurology: Job Profiles
Neurology is the field of medical specialization with a plethora of job opportunities in India as well as abroad. The aspirants specialized in the field of neurology are high in demand as new technologies and medical advances. Neurologists can work in general neurology or can choose to specialize in one of the neurology subspecialties. They work in one of the most complex and enthralling areas of medicine involving the brain and nervous system.
Basically, they treat patients that are referred by another physician and doctor. If the treatment demands surgery, they refer patients to a neurosurgeon. As Neurologists, they can be employed in private as well as government hospitals, health care networks or group medical practice. If he is an expert in this field and equips leadership qualities then they can be promoted to a managerial level. Check below the job profiles available in the field of neurology-
Neurologist- Neurologists are physicians with a specialization in nervous system disorders. To become a neurologist’s immense medical training is required. This is a good career choice for aspirants who have a passion for learning about and treating diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.
Neuro Physicians- They are the clinical practitioners or doctors treating neurological diseases through medicine and non-surgical interventions. They specialise in the treatment of diseases related to loss of memory, forgetfulness, stroke and in the management of neuromuscular pain.
Neurosurgeons- Neurosurgeons are doctors who treat neurological diseases via medical and surgical interventions. They treat both acute and chronic problems related to the nervous system.
Lecturer/Professor-The aspirants can join a medical college as a lecturer in neurology.
Other Job Profile
- Consultant
- Lecturer
Career in Neurology: Salary Offered
The salary of a neurologist differs as per their specialization and the type of organisation they work for. Some neurologists who do private practice are expected to earn way more than neurologists working in public/private hospitals. The average (median salary) of a recognized Neurologists is around Rs 1,850, 209 annually. Whereas a neurosurgeon earns an average pay of Rs 2,757,165 annually. Professional years and speciality sturdily influence income in the field of neurosurgery.
As a medical practitioner in this field, one can expect a higher salary and job opportunities for progress within a private or public setting. The salary of neurologists depends on the professional experience, job profile and location. Check below the salary of some of the job profiles-
Salary
| Job Profile | Average Salary (In INR) |
| Neurologists | 1,736,351 |
| Neurosurgeon | 2672299 |
| Neuro Physician | 1736351 |
Career in Neurology: Employment Areas
There are employment opportunities for neurologists available both in India and abroad. These clinical practitioners are one of the highest-paid in the medical profession due to the intricacy involved in their job. Check below some of the popular employment opportunities available for neurologists-
- Armed Forces Medical Services
- Government Hospitals
- Medical Colleges
- Private Hospitals
- Private practice
- Railways Medical Facilities
- Specialist Hospitals
- Spine and Brain Hospitals
Career in Neurology: Top Recruiting Companies
The graduates in neurology are open to employment in multiple areas. They are hired in private as well as government hospitals. Several medical colleges hire them as a lecturer/professor. Check below the top recruiting companies hiring graduates in neurology-
- Max Hospital
- Indian Armed Forces Medical Services
- Fortis
- Artemis
- Apollo Hospitals
- AIIMS
Career in Neurology: Scope
In India, the scope of neurology is expanding with an increase in the number of patients. The demand for neurologists is becoming immense as the hospitals and health care centres are increasing. One can do the job abroad in various universities and research centres. The aspirants can also work in various government/private hospitals in India. There are various job possibilities in which aspirants can apply after his/her completion of course.
Career in Neurology: Books and Study Materials
To become a successful neurologist it is very crucial for the aspirants to have the right set of books and study material to crack medical entrance examinations. Becoming a neurologist is a step-by-step process and years of preparation, hard work and dedication is the key behind a flourishing career in the field. Check below the medical books and study material that will help the candidates in the preparation of the entrance exam :
- Adam and Victor Principles of Neurology
- Bradley’s Neurology in Clinical Practice
- Demyer’s The Neurologic Examination
- NCERT Books of Class 11th and 12th for all subjects
- Principles of Neural Science by Eric. R Kendal
Other Neurology Books
- Textbook of Neurology by Kumar Navneet
- Neurology Self-Assessment by Justin Jordan
- Neurology Secrets by Joseph Kass
- Neuroanatomy in Clinical Context by Duane E. Haines PhD
- Imaging in Neurology by Anne Osborn
- IAP Textbook of Paediatric Neurology (Iap) by Verma Anoop
- Harrison’s Neurology in Clinical Medicine
- Case Studies in Neurology by Randolph Evans
