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A neurologist is specialized in dealing with neurological disorders. He is trained to diagnose, treat and manage the patients suffering from central nervous system disorders. Neurologist treats the problems of central, peripheral and autonomous nervous system and effector tissues like blood vessels and muscles. Some neurologist are specialized in surgeries and are called neurosurgeons and some may be specialized in treatment of child neurological disorders called pediatric neurologists. But the neurologist job description is same for all the neurologists specialized in different areas. Following 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 chord
Neurodegenerative disorder (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease)
Infections in peripheral nervous system
Movement disorder
Encephalopathy
Altered mental state
A neurologist’s responsibilities and duties are mentioned below in the neurologist job description:

Education and Training Required
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.

Job Responsibilities
The primary job responsibility of a neurologist is to diagnose and treat disorders related to nervous system and other related diseases by administering various kinds of tests. He may prescribe medicines or drugs on the basis of blood tests, X-rays of spine and brain, CAT scan, MRI and various other tests. He may also refer the patient to other specialist for further diagnosis.

Job Prospects
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.

Required Qualities
A neurologist should be willing to work in 24×7 environment. Caring personality and excellent communication skill are the two qualities that are of paramount importance. Other qualities required are to work under pressure and ability of multi-tasking in hectic and critical situations. Good management skills are also necessary to manage other administrative employees.

Compensations
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 USD 200,000 per year and average salary is USD 175,000 per year. Neurologist associated with reputed hospitals are enjoying handsome salary and perks. A neurologist’s salary can range between USD 100,000 to USD 220,000 per year once he gets an experience of seven to eight years.

Career Development
The field of neurology has ample of career opportunities available for eligible candidates. A neurologist can be promoted to a managerial level if he is eligible, expert in his field and exhibits leadership qualities. The neurologist who maintain good record in their respective fields have chances to be promoted earlier. Neurologists can also be a part of medical public relation and publish research articles in scientific and medical journal.

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

by Megha Tiwari

buzzle