Could you just briefly expand on this? What makes programs like these more family friendly than others?
Uh several different things including slightly fewer hours worked (on average), many residents have children (so similar mindset), and location (family friendly setting/environment).
How different and similar are the procedures in adult and pediatric cases? What are the pros and cons in both (money/mortality/morbidity/malpractice frequency/lifestyle/all other aspects)?
I have seen a lot of shows in pediatric neurosurgery and cases involving congenital defects seemed very intriguing.
Honestly, our group does not handle pediatric cases. Many neurosurgeons are not comfortable doing pediatric cases without a fellowship. Additionally, hospital staff (ICU, anesthesiologists, etc.) are also uncomfortable without proper specialization and experience. To handle such cases you generally need a full team (pediatric anesthesiologist, pediatric neurosurgeon, etc.) which many hospitals do not have access to. These cases are usually sent out to the state large academic center. As for lifestyle and money, positions are usually academic (so less pay) and hours are usually more unpredictable. I personally could do pediatric cases, but the hospital would prefer that my group and I not take these cases.
But yeah, pediatric neurosurgery cases are really intriguing and if you are interested, don't worry too much about lifestyle and money because these can be adjusted. Outcomes are fairly good. Malpractice is constantly changing, but as a neurosurgeon you will get sued. It's really not a big deal. Many neurosurgeons get sued multiple times per year, but you will very rarely lose a case. Mistakes happen. You're human.
Just do your best and act in the best interest of the patient and you shouldn't have to worry about malpractice.
First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time to educate us about such a special field.
I have three questions:
1. How do you describe your typical day in office? many consults? post-op follow-ups?
2. How often do you perform complex, lengthy procedures? and do you operate on kids?
3. How often do you work with other specialists such neurologists, ENT's, Radiologists...etc?
Thank you,
1. Clinic is generally pretty busy. Today I had to finish up a surgery so I arrived late to clinic (around 2:30). Finished up around 4:30 and saw a total of 9 patients. It just depends.
2. There are a good deal of complex procedures, but they are not all necessarily lengthy. Some procedures (I kid you not) I can do in 8-15 minutes. Average cases are 2-3 hours, with the occasional 4-5 hour case. 8 hour+ surgeries are rare, and I usually only have to do that one surgery that day. The longest surgery I have done was I think ~20 hours, but I rotated with 2 other neurosurgeons.
3. I guess frequently, but usually indirectly. It's a well-oiled machine. I occasionally have to consult with other physicians about a patient. I sometimes work with non-neurosurgeons on cases if they can be beneficial (ex. ENT).
I have to say, it's encouraging to know that a reasonable lifestyle in achievable as a neurosurg attending. I've never shadowed a neurosurgeon (would love to) and don't have any exposure to the field, but I've always been so scared by the prospect of a seemingly-endless, grueling, possibly marriage-wrecking residency that I wouldn't even consider it.
Assuming an "average" marriage relationship, am I being unreasonable in my fear of the neurosurg residency? I feel like I can deal with hard work for whatever length of time if I love it (and I wouldn't choose any field without loving it) but I don't know if it would be worth it to risk losing someone I love.
Thanks a bunch for taking the time to answer questions here.
Yeah there are actually a lot of neurosurgeons that are happily married. You have to understand that much of the negative information you hear about neurosurgery is spread by people who are not neurosurgeons nor residents. Ex. there are first and second year med students preaching in the allopathic forum about how horrible neurosurgery residency is. Stories are often blown out of proportion. Unfortunately, neurosurgeon residents also occasionally exaggerate their conditions when talking to buddies in different residencies.
Neurosurgery residency may not be as horrible as people make it out to be, but it's still tough. If you are in a relationship, it's all about prioritizing and time budgeting. Unfortunately 80 hour weeks do occur and are common, but if your significant other is willing to make some sacrifices, you will both get through just fine. As I've said earlier, you do get at least 1 weekend completely free per month, several weeks vacation a year plus holidays, and some years are actually much more manageable (research year). You don't have to make residency your life. I spent time with family, went out with friends, traveled, went to weddings, etc.
Remember, the 6-7 years will fly by. After that you're home free. Adjust your lifestyle as you see fit.
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Hi.
