Career Research Project

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Johns Hopkins University *

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1300

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Medicine

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Jan 9, 2024

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Career Research Project: Neurosurgery and the Medical Field Penelope M. Feldman El Paso Community College EDUC-1300-7R Learning Framework Dr. Lydia Tena December 6, 2023

Introduction Neurosurgery is one of the most complex medical specialties. Neurosurgeons must perform precise and flawless work daily, pushing the limits of medical knowledge while seeking to enhance the lives of their patients. What, however, motivates these surgeons? What motivates these people to pursue the seemingly impossible challenge and sometimes grueling field of neurosurgery? Although the field is challenging, following such a profession has many benefits. I initially chose this field due to the high salary. After further research, my interest grew due to many factors. For example, this medical field has much diversity and many career paths. I chose this career because I want to help people and am interested in the brain and nervous system. There is much opportunity in the field. There are paths in pathology, such as neuropathology, which is a specialty within pathology focused on diseases in the brain and spinal cord (Filosto, 2007). There are also other specialties, such as neuroanesthesia, a field of anesthesia focusing on neurosurgery (Husari, 2022). The field provides a chance to impact patient s’ lives positively. The diversity of specialties within neurosurgery also allows individuals to find their niche. This field could be one of the most important. Importance of Neurosurgery Neurosurgery is significant today because it treats nervous system disorders and diseases. Included are the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body. Many of these illnesses are deadly if left untreated, making the work of neurosurgeons critical in saving lives and improving patients' quality of life. Neurosurgery contributes to expanding medical knowledge and developing innovative treatments for complex brain conditions. As technology progresses, the role of neurosurgery in society will become increasingly crucial in fulfilling the increased needs of those suffering from neurological illnesses (Cleveland Clinic).

Issues Within Neurosurgery Although neurosurgery has many advantages and benefits, the field also has many issues. Neurosurgery requires extensive schooling and has one of the most extended training periods within any medical field. To be a neurosurgeon, I must complete a bachelor’s degree; most medical schools require a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.5 or higher. The field also requires taking the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test), which assesses my critical thinking skills and knowledge about medical-related subjects such as biology and chemistry. Medical school is also required. Not only is medical school challenging to excel in, but most medical schools have meager acceptance rates; medical school is typically four years long. After completing medical school, I must take the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination). After passing the USMLE, I must pursue an internship. These internships teach essential skills such as how to work with medical staff and managing patients. After completing the one-year internship, I must complete a six to eight-year medical residency (Indeed). The combined schooling and training time to become a neurosurgeon is 14 to 16 years (Cleveland Clinic). Another issue with becoming a neurosurgeon is the salary that resident neurosurgeons make. Although resident doctors have a medical degree and work extensive hours, they get paid, on average, about $17.44, barely above minimum wage (ZipRecruiter). They also work about 80 hours weekly, almost double the average American (Duke Neurosurgery). The average yearly salary for a resident surgeon living in Texas is $36,268 (ZipRecruiter). As a comparison, A McDonald’s cook makes, on average, about $41,588 per year ( Indeed). The issues with becoming a neurosurgeon are countless. Information gathered by a recent national survey shows that the average burnout rate of neurosurgery residents is 67 percent. This

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is due to the extensive physical and mental requirements. The length of residency training is also to blame (Tang et al., 2019). Important Questions While becoming a neurosurgeon can seem tedious and overwhelming, some questions and answers should help ease my worries, provide confidence, and better understand what is needed and expected. 1. How will I obtain the finances required for my schooling? Due to the extensive schooling, the average cost of only undergraduate and medical schooling combined is $467,944 (College For All Texans). That amount does not include application fees, textbook costs, room and board, dining, and other college expenses. Although my family can help me, I will be in extensive student debt. Debt is an essential factor to consider when choosing if I would like to pursue this career path. I can work a job while in college and ask my family for financial help. There are also grants that I can apply for, such as TMA grants (Texas Medical Association); they offer scholarships and grants. 2. Will I be able to develop a connection with patients? As a person with autism, my main concern is being able to connect with patients on a personal level. The prominent concern people have with doctors with autism is whether their disability will make them “less abled” than someone without a developmental disorder (Treffert, 2017). I know that my disorder will not get in the way of my performance as a neurosurgeon and will enhance my abilities and performance. My memory is exceptional, I am disciplined, and I have learned to manage my autism. 3. What are the key elements to become a good neurosurgeon?

Pursuing any career in the medical field requires a substantial amount of discipline and patience. This especially applies in neurosurgery; I must be patient with long surgeries and disciplined regarding attendance, schoolwork, and other things. According to Todor (2009), “Men and women considering a career in neurosurgery should have the intellectual curiosity and ability to embrace and understand the detail and complexity of the nervous system.” (p. 2). I must have the discipline to understand the brain and spine, as well as the complexity of it. Comparing and Contrasting Viewpoints Neurosurgery is a fascinating and challenging profession that has changed substantially. There are several perspectives on neurosurgery held by both professionals and patients. There are two main groups, both opposing each other with their opinions. One group believes that neurosurgery is a last resort, while the other considers it a prosperous and highly advanced medical field. Neurosurgery is viewed as a last choice by some clinicians and patients for treating severe neurological problems such as tumors, seizures, and degenerative illnesses. They feel that surgery should be considered only after all other therapeutic options have been exhausted and that the hazards of surgery are frequently too significant to warrant it as a first-line treatment. There are many concerns about personality changes due to the lack of scientific evidence backing up some areas of neurological surgery (Müller et al., 2022). Others believe that neurosurgery is a remarkably successful and potentially life-saving therapeutic option. With current advances in surgical methods and technology, neurosurgery may be conducted safely and effectively for patients with neurological problems. Because of the continued advancement of technology, neurosurgery is becoming a safer option (OHSU, 2003).

Ethical Decision-Making Becoming a medical professional comes with ethical and moral obligations, and many ethical issues come with being a surgeon. One of neurosurgery's most significant ethical debates is Do-Not-Resuscitate orders (DNR) (Cleveland Clinic). A DNR order is a legal document in which a patient decides that they do not want to be resuscitated if their heart stops or if they stop breathing (Do Not Resuscitate | StudyMode). DNRs have always been tricky for me to wrap my mind around. If I encountered one of these orders, I would ignore it. I would feel as if my patient's blood would be on my hands because I did not do everything I could to save them. I know that ignoring the DNR would not only be against the patient's wishes, but it is also illegal, and I could have my medical license revoked (WMW Law Firm). Conclusion Neurosurgery remains one of the most competitive and challenging medical professions, and many other types of doctors depend on neurological research to advance their fields. It is one of the most essential fields due to its contribution to expanding medical knowledge, and it helps those with neurological conditions that could be deadly if untreated. Neurological surgery often receives praise for its discoveries and research. However, there are many opposing viewpoints, such as concerns about personality changes due to the lack of scientific evidence backing up some areas of neurological surgery. I chose this profession because of the money and the desire to save lives. After concluding my research, I am still determining if this is the career I want to pursue. It is expensive, requires a lot of schooling, and many other factors surprised me. Neurosurgery is one of my top choices, contributing substantially to the medical world.

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References Decker, F. (2017, November 21). Why is neurosurgery important? Work. https://work.chron.com/neurosurgery-important-21871.html Horesh, A. (2023, May 19). The Hard Truth: Uncovering the disadvantages of being a neurosurgeon . FutureDoctor.AI. https://futuredoctor.ai/disadvantages-of-being-a- neurosurgeon/ How much education does a neurosurgeon need? | indeed.com . How much education does a neurosurgeon need? (2022). https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career- development/neurosurgeon-education professional, C. C. medical. (2022a). Neurosurgeon: WHAT THEY DO, specialties & training . Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22364-neurosurgeon professional, C. C. medical. (2022b). Neurosurgeon: WHAT THEY DO, specialties & training . Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22364-neurosurgeon Comparably. (2023). Neurosurgery residency salary - December 2023 - comparably . Neurosurgery residency salary. https://www.comparably.com/salaries/salaries-for- neurosurgery-residency Tang, O. Y., Dunn, K. A., Yoon, J. S., Ponce, F. A., Sonntag, V. K. H., & Lawton, M. T. (2020). Neurosurgery Resident Wellness and Recovery from Burnout: A 39-Year Single-

Institution Experience. World Neurosurgery , 138 , e72 – e81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.01.236 Taylor, M. (2023, September 27). How much does medical school cost? Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/medical-school- cost/#:~:text=The%20cost%20of%20medical%20school%20varies%20depending%20on %20the%20type,pay%20a%20median%20of%20%24363%2C836 . Scholarships and financial aid . (n.d.). https://www.texmed.org/Scholarships/ Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) . Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/8866-do-not-resuscitate-orders Ramirez, K. (2022, February 23). What can you do if a doctor ignores your a do not resuscitate order? - Medical Malpractice Law firm. Medical Malpractice Law Firm . https://wmwlawfirm.com/blog/doctor-ignore-resuscitate- order/#:~:text=When%20a%20doctor%20oversteps%20his,that%20doctor%20as%20an %20individual . What is Neurosurgery? | OHSU . (n.d.). https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of- medicine/neurosurgery/what- neurosurgery#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20medical%20specialty,both%20adult%20and%2 0pediatric%20patients . What is the Average Neurosurgery Resident Salary by State . (2023). Ziprecruiter. Retrieved December 4, 2023, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average- Neurosurgery-Resident-Salary-by-State McDonald’s cook salaries . (2023). Indeed. Retrieved December 4, 2023, from https://www.indeed.com/cmp/McDonald's/salaries/Cook?period=yearly

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