Meet new people, find things you have in common and try to understand your differences. Put yourself in other people’s shoes to understand what a person is feeling or why he chose certain actions. [4] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source Challenge prejudices. We often have preconceived notions about groups of people. Focus on what you share with individuals instead of what divides you. [5] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source Listen to people. The ability to focus on another person’s emotional state and needs is an important skill for a neurosurgeon to have. Paraphrase what people say to you to show that you are an active listener and ensure you understand what they are saying. [6] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source Consider learning another language. This is an extremely valuable skill. You will often encounter people who speak a different language. Speaking another (or multiple) language can help you easily communicate with these patients and can help you stand out when applying to med school. [7] X Research source
You will also need to be skilled and dexterous with your hands, as neurosurgery is delicate work. However, don’t stress over this too much, as much of your manual dexterity will be acquired through experience. [9] X Research source
Your degree should include a core curriculum that consists of chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, calculus and physics courses with labs. Taking biochemistry, microbiology and human anatomy classes will increase your chances of getting into medical school and doing well there. A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last six or seven years. If this interests you, look into these programs.
Your first-year biology grades are especially important. Some schools will disqualify students with Cs and lower. Try to earn at least a 3. 75 GPA your freshman year of college. [11] X Research source Spend time studying throughout the week to review material covered in class. Join a study group and go over important information with friends. Purchase, borrow or rent course reviews and quizzes. If you need help, get a tutor through your college or hire an independent instructor. The higher you can get your grades, the better you will look to admissions committees. This will give you the best chance of getting into the college you want. GPA is also important to qualify for scholarships that will pay for college.
Many students take the MCAT during their junior year after studying for several months, while others prefer to finish four years of college before taking the MCAT. You might decide to take the test sooner if you have taken some advanced placement coursework or classes during the summer. [13] X Research source The MCAT tests foundational concepts, scientific inquiry, critical analysis and reasoning skills drawn from biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, general chemistry, physics, psychology and sociology. Do your best to be familiar with these disciplines and practice your reading analysis skills.
Register early, at least 60 days in advance of the exam date, to get your preferred test date or location. You must pre-register online and pay a fee. Enter your information into the Scheduling and Registration System exactly as it appears on your identification (ID) and make sure your contact information is correct. If you are unable to pay for the MCAT exam, you may be eligible for the Fee Assistance Program (FAP). You will need to submit an application and be approved before you register for the MCAT.
Study hard before the test. Aim for a score of 32 or higher. [16] X Research source Buy or rent an MCAT prep book or take a review course. You may also sign up for practice exams that prepare you for the real thing. [17] X Research source If you don’t get the score you want, you can retake the MCAT up to three times a year and seven times during your lifetime. Keep in mind, though, that different schools will treat multiple scores differently—some may average them while others may take the most recent or best score. [18] X Trustworthy Source Association of American Medical Colleges Nonprofit organization repsonsible for the administration of the MCAT and for facilitating the medical school applications process Go to source
Applicants usually submit transcripts, MCAT scores and letters of recommendation but schools may also consider personality, leadership qualities and participation in extracurricular activities. Most schools will require interviews with admissions committee members. You will apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and/or the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) and the services will send your application to your desired schools. US medical schools that confer the Doctor of Medicine (M. D. ) degree use AMCAS as the primary application method for students whereas osteopathic medical schools that confer the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D. O. ) degree use AACOMAS. In the case of rejection, don’t give up. Not everyone gets into the medical school of choice but with hard work and dedication you will get into a medical school. Most applicants to medical school have at least a bachelor’s degree, but many have advanced degrees as well. If you have difficulty getting into medical school consider getting a master’s degree or higher before applying again. If you are selected to interview, study up on the school so you will be able to ask relevant questions. You may want to practice your interviewing skills before you meet with the school. A good impression will give you a good chance at being offered a position with the school.
Identify a resident and faculty mentor in neurosurgery as soon as possible. These mentors can help you put together your residency application and expose you to operating room and neurosurgery clinics. Enrolling in an elective during medical school can help you decide if being a neurosurgeon is right for you. If you are interested in neurosurgery, you should do sub-internships during the fourth year of medical school. You can also gain neurosurgery exposure by attending the weekly didactic sessions and grand rounds at your school’s neurosurgery residency program. You can learn more about neurosurgery and interact with faculty and residents at these sessions.
Look into faculty members credentials, interests and the research they are involved in. Talk to them about potential openings for students to participate. Let them know you are interested and find out what you need to do to apply. Publishing in a peer-reviewed journal about your research will look excellent on your application to residency programs. The summer after your first year of medical school may be an optimal time to begin researching and shadowing at this level. You can also attend national conferences like the annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons to make connections with residents and neurosurgeons from around the world.
There are around 100 neurosurgical residency programs in the US and each accepts about one to three residents. You will need to apply to more than one residency program to ensure that you get in, though odds are very good for candidates in neurosurgery. [20] X Research source Plan for alternatives. Matching a residency in neurosurgery is extremely competitive, and there is a possibility you will not match. Ask yourself what you will do in this event. How can you improve your application? What can you do in the year before you can reapply — research, an internship, or something else? You may wish to consider applying for a general surgical position while also applying to neurosurgery positions. Talk to your advisors about what you might do to prepare for this possibility.
Candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school, complete one year of residency training in their specialty and pass written and practical exams in order to qualify for a license.
To open your own practice, first secure financing and a location. You may get loans through local or commercial banks. You could also try a lending company as well as philanthropists or those looking for an investment opportunity. Look for a suitable office space that is accessible. [22] X Research source Procure computers, software and medical equipment to help your practice run smoothly. You will need to hire staff members, such as other physicians, nurses, medical assistants, office managers and administrative assistants. Get credentialed with major insurance companies to begin accepting new patients. This process with the health insurance companies can take several months. [23] X Research source Find medical malpractice insurance. Look for reasonable rates and coverage. Bring in patients through advertisements, online reviews, word of mouth, etc. and start practicing.
