A neurologist is a medical practitioner, expert in diagnosing and treatment of disease and disorder related to one of the most delicate and important parts of human body i.e. Brain and Central Nervous system. Neurologist’s job description includes testing, diagnosis and treatment of problems with the spinal cord, related muscles & tissues and brain. A Neurologist performs Computed Axial Technology (CAT) scans, Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI), EEGs and a host of other diagnostic tests to diagnose degenerative brain disorders like seizures, strokes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, trauma, epilepsy Dementia, multiple sclerosis and movement disorders, to name a few of them.
Disappearance of the joint family system, highly competitive environment, stressful working conditions are taking their toll on the nervous system of the human being causing a number of degenerative brain disorders thereby increasing the demand for qualified Neurologist in the near future. Thus to full fill, the demand the aspiring candidates with excellent ability to judge human behaviour, knowledge of latest medical developments in the field of Neurology, zeal to work in trying conditions and genuine care and concern for their patients, can become successful Neurologist by taking necessary qualification.
Neurologist Eligibility
Candidates aspiring to become Neurologist must possess a 5½ years MBBS degree followed by 2- 3 years MD (Medicine) / DNB course. After attaining the Master's degree candidates have to do D.M. (Neurology) to specialize in the field of Neurology.
Neurologist Required Skills
- Neurologists should have an intellectual ability to apply the concepts of neurological medicine; enjoy finding solutions to problems, dealing with people and directing the work of others.
- They should be confident and a strong decision maker; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; to empathise and be compassionate towards others.
- They should have emotional strength and maturity; to be able to work under pressure and have the stamina to work long hours and strong ethics.
How to become a Neurologist?
Aspiring candidates have to follow the below-given steps to become a Neurologist.
Step 1
Students who have appeared or are appearing in +2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as main subjects) have to appear in a Medical Entrance Tests conducted by NTA like NEET-UG and various Independent prestigious Medical Colleges like AIIMS Entrance Exam, JIPMER etc, to get admission in various Medical Colleges across India.
These exams are generally held in the month of May-June.
Step 2
After completion of this four and half year of MBBS degree course and one year and six months, compulsory training one has to go for M.D(Medicine).
Aspiring MBBS doctors have to appear in the Post Graduate Medical Entrance Tests like NEET PG and Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research Entrance Exam.
However, some institutes also provide admission on the basis of marks obtained in MBBS course and work experience of the aspiring candidates.
Step 3
After completing M.D. (Medicine) the aspiring candidates can enrol for DM (Neurology) - a 3 years courses - for specialization in the field of Neurology from some of the best institutes in India as given below:
- Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS)
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGI)
- Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
Step 4
After completion of three years of D.M.(Neurology) course and getting the requisite registration from Medical Council of India, the budding Neurologist can get jobs in reputed Government and Private Hospitals like AIIMS etc. A neurologist with good entrepreneurial skill can also open their own Neuro Clinic and provide services to the patients.
Neurologist Job Description
Neurologist job description includes working with patients suffering from diseases of the nervous system i.e. brain and spine. Neurologists study their patient's history and perform a range of tests like CAT and MRI scans to diagnose the exact cause of the disease. After proper diagnoses, they design a treatment plan for a patient including the prescription of medicines, changes to diet, mental exercise and further counselling etc.
Neurologist Career Prospects
Prospect for Neurologist appears bright in the coming times due to the rapid increase in patients inflicted with the diseases related to the nervous system. They can also get placed in the Neurology department of reputed Hospitals like AIIMS, MAX etc. More enterprising Neurologist can also open their own Clinic. Some Neurologist can also opt for teaching jobs in different medical schools and colleges and teach their students basic techniques and treatments. Research is another best option for the genius in the field.
Neurologist Salary
Neurologist in Government sector can expect to get nearly Rs.50,000 to Rs.60,000, depending upon his experience and expertise. Besides, they are also entitled to government accommodation and other perks as admissible. However experienced Neurologist engaged in the Corporate sector can expect anything between Rs.80,000 to Rs.1,00,000 per month. A neurologist with an excellent track record running their own clinic has the ability to earn much more.
