neuropsychology and MDs

[tchantel21]

I'm thinkin that I def want to do something in neuroscience for my specialty. I am particularly interested in things like psychological/behavioral anomalies that result from brain lesions, and neurophsiology behind emotion, perception, experience, etc etc. I am thinking id like to have the options of both research and clinical practice. After doing some research, I have discovered that most of the people who publish on this stuff are neuropsychologists (not MDs but doctoral level psychologists). I know that there are a number or subspecialties one can complete after the primary fellowship in neurology. I guess my question is, is neuropsychology (perhaps by another name) one such subspecialty to anyone's knowledge? If not, anyone have any suggestions on how else to orient myself toward that type of practice/research?

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[fun8stuff]

I'm thinkin that I def want to do something in neuroscience for my specialty. I am particularly interested in things like psychological/behavioral anomalies that result from brain lesions, and neurophsiology behind emotion, perception, experience, etc etc. I am thinking id like to have the options of both research and clinical practice. After doing some research, I have discovered that most of the people who publish on this stuff are neuropsychologists (not MDs but doctoral level psychologists). I know that there are a number or subspecialties one can complete after the primary fellowship in neurology. I guess my question is, is neuropsychology (perhaps by another name) one such subspecialty to anyone's knowledge? If not, anyone have any suggestions on how else to orient myself toward that type of practice/research?

I would think the best way to do this would to do as much quality research in the field during medical school and residency. I have even heard of some MDs who want to focus on research doing research fellowships after residency. You could also see if you can do MD/PhD combined-- some schools will let you enter the program even after you start the MD curric. Just depends on how gung-ho you are. I listened to a guy give a lecture on this topic this summer and he was a MD/PhD.... Could probably get the best info from an advisor at your school... good luck.

 

[renox9]

A fellowship in Behavioral Neurology could also be something for you to look into.

 

[Mumpu]

You can approach neuropsych fellowships through psych or neuro residencies.

 

[Happy613]

You can approach neuropsych fellowships through psych or neuro residencies.

There are also combined Nuero-Psych residencies in which you get double boarded in neurlogy and pychiatry. I know NYU has a program, and I believe it its either 5 or 6 years.

good luck.

 

[tchantel21]

cool, thanks for the info ppl

 

[kenmc3]

If you went the MD route you would want to do a fellowship in behavioral neurology. I highly recommend you read Matter of Mind by Dr. Kenneth Heilman from this University of Florida. He is a very famous neurologist who is one of the founders of behavioral neurology. He also teaches various courses for the neuropsychology program here at UF.

 

[vandygirl07]

cool, thanks for the info ppl

Just to add more info - to be a neuropsychologist you do a post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology after finishing a Ph.D./Psy.D in psychology. A neuropsychologist performs tests on a specific patient population (kids, people with a specific neurologic disorder, etc) and analyzes the results. Tests include intelligence, language, math, attention, reading, perception, personality, etc. Once you are in med school, the closest thing might be a behavioral neurologist, but they are not 'authorized' to give the same tests or batteries a neuropsychologist is.

 

[PublicHealth]

Just to add more info - to be a neuropsychologist you do a post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology after finishing a Ph.D./Psy.D in psychology. A neuropsychologist performs tests on a specific patient population (kids, people with a specific neurologic disorder, etc) and analyzes the results. Tests include intelligence, language, math, attention, reading, perception, personality, etc. Once you are in med school, the closest thing might be a behavioral neurologist, but they are not 'authorized' to give the same tests or batteries a neuropsychologist is.

Clinical neuropsychologists are often consulted for forensic evaluations of suspected brain injury:

http://www.forensicpanel.com/expertise/neuropsychology.htm

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Medicine/Neuropsychology/?view=usa&ci=0195158997


Here's some more information on clinical neuropsychology (PhD/PsyD):

http://www.div40.org/

http://www.nanonline.org/

http://www.the-ins.org/

http://www.appcn.org/

http://www.mgh-psychology.org/tracks/neuropsych.html

http://www.massmentalhealthcenter.org/training/postgraduate.htm

http://www.clinpsych.northwestern.edu/postdoc_fellow_clin_nuer.htm

http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/med/neurology/residentsfellows/postdoctoral/index.html

http://www.mayo.edu/msgme/psych-neuro-jax.html

http://www.rehabmed.emory.edu/education_neuropsychology_fellowship.cfm

http://www.columbuschildrens.com/Education_Training/neuro/faculty.cfm

http://www.kennedykrieger.org/kki_misc.jsp?pid=1647