A career in neurosurgery requires an advanced medical education before practicing and extreme dedication to patient care, according to Payam Toobian.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, September 3, 2022 — Neurosurgery is unique among medical specialties due to the intense nature of the educational and training path and the public’s perception of the role. Surgeons such as Payam Toobian dedicate a decade or more to college, internships and residencies before moving on to accepting patients and entering surgery leading a procedure.
Beyond the brain, neurosurgery also requires knowledge of the central nervous system, spine and spinal cord, and treatment of some patients may require surgical procedures in multiple areas. Many patients require a neurosurgeon’s expertise due to massive trauma sustained in falls, wrecks and other impacts while others suffer from chronic conditions, including congenital anomalies.
These realities make the skills and characteristics less focused on in a career prospectus, such as compassion, dedication and communication, an important part of the neurosurgeon’s practice.
Dr. Payam Toobian on education
Becoming a neurosurgeon is a bit like attending medical school twice in terms of length and rigor. Both start with an undergraduate program to prepare for medical school. Within a pre-med program, an emphasis on biology or chemistry with a personal focus on achieving a stellar GPA can help prepare for excellence on the MCAT and acceptance to a preferred medical school.
After med school, it’s time to specialize, and 8 years or more may be spent across internship programs and a neurosurgical residency. During the residency, lectures and other aspects of patient care will gradually evolve to participation in surgery.
It is necessary to apply for and pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam and to pass additional exams from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. and the American Board of Neurological Surgery based on the career path. The process is time intensive and can be emotionally and financially draining, making extreme dedication a necessity.
Additional considerations for neurosurgeons
When patients visit a neurologist or require neurosurgery it is generally due to the management of a long-term condition or the result of trauma. In either instance, a great deal of pain is often present, and some patients are no longer able to fully manage their own health conditions. Others are concerned about losing quality-of-life or worry about dying.
As a neurosurgeon, it is important to provide the upmost care in consultations, diagnostic procedures, surgery and recovery. Communicating effectively is important when relaying health information to patients or caregivers, but an approachable manner is needed for more emotional inquiries.
Surgery itself can be intense and long, making maintaining physical conditioning a consistent part of life. It’s best to avoid stimulants — even a dependency on coffee or caffeine — to avoid issues when operating. Other aspects of life, such as social drinking, overnight trips and more, would need to be planned around any procedures and on-call situations.
Within surgery, directing the rest of the staff is essential and maintaining cordial working relationships outside of surgery can be key for diffusing some tension during a stressful procedure. Better performing staff can help improve patient outcomes for the benefit of all.
Career outlook
Three percent growth for physician and surgeon roles is expected through 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Dr. Payam Toobian advises this growth is largely fueled by retirements and career transitions versus increased demand.
