Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles, for example Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and brain tumours.
Despite the bony protection of the vertebrae and skull, the spinal cord and brain can be injured, and sometimes, terrible consequences follow such injury. The brain is truly the master organ, controlling the activites of body systems and organs, it is the seat of emotion, reason and consciousness and the centre of short- and long-term memory. The integrative functioning of the nervous system is based primarily on conccectivity between the neurons, This is an exciting branch of medicine, as neurologists are discovering more and more information regarding the role of the brain in human behaviour. The nervous system includes the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), the peripheral nervous system - the cranial and spinal nerves, the autonomic nervous system and all the senses - auditory, visual etc.
Neurologists perform neurological examinations of the nerves of the head and neck; muscle strength and movement; balance, ambulation, and reflexes; and sensation, memory, speech, language, and other cognitive abilities.
They also perform diagnostic tests such as the following:
- CAT (computed axial tomography) scan
- MRI/MRA (magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography)
- lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- EEG (electroencephalography)
- EMG/NCV (electromyography/nerve conduction velocity)
Satisfying Aspects
- good working conditions
- relatively high income
- prestige associated with the profession
- satisfaction of helping others get well
Demanding aspects
- particularly long and expensive training
- being responsible for the life or death of others
- long working hours
- keeping abreast of new developments
Requirements
A neurologist should:
- have above average intellectual ability;
- concern for the health and well-being of people;
- be highly responsible;
- have emotional stability to withstand the responsibilities and pressures.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Note: Competition to enter medical studies is stiff and there are usually many applicants with good grades that would naturally be given preference.
Training
Degree: MBChB degree - eg. UKZN, US, Wits, UP, UCT.
- Theoretical training: 5 years.
- Student internship: 1 year.
- Practical work at a hospital: 1 year (also known as the house doctor year).
Post-graduate study for specialization as a neurologist: MMed or FCP(SA): 4 years - e.g. UCT, UFS, US, UL,UP, Wits.
Before commencing post-graduate study for specialization as a neurologist, the candidate must:
- be in possession of a MBChB degree for 2 years;
- be registered as a medical doctor with the Interim Medical and Dental Council (IMDC) of South Africa for 1 year.
On successful completion of the examination to qualify as a specialist, the candidate must register with the IMDC as a neurologist.
Employer
- state hospitals and clinics
- self-employment, in private practice or in a partnership
Contact
Health Professions Council of SA
P O Box 205
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 338-9300
Fax:(012) 328-5120
www.hpcsa.co.za