Neurosurgery has one of the longest training periods of any medical specialties due to the extreme complexity of the nervous system and the advanced techniques used in neurosurgical operations. After four years of medical school, followed by a one-year internship program (devoted to acquiring knowledge in fundamental clinical skills), the doctor enters a neurosurgical residency program of five to seven years. While in the program, neurosurgical residents are trained in all aspects of neurosurgery, including the cerebrovascular system, the spine and spinal canal, trauma, tumors, pain management and pediatric surgery. Each resident must complete a minimum of 60 months of training in the neurological sciences.

At least 36 months must be devoted to clinical neurosurgery in a neurosurgical-training program or programs accredited by the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACCME). A minimum of three months should be devoted to clinical neurology. Some neurosurgeons opt to do an additional fellowship in a particular area of study after their residency.

• What is Neurosurgery?
• What is Physiatry?
• What kinds of disorders do neurological surgeons treat?
• How are neurosurgeons trained?
• Board Certification
• Tools and Techniques