Neurologist (Neuroloog)
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A neurologist is a medical specialist who specializes in neurology. Neurology is a medical specialty that is mainly concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of muscles, nerves, spinal cord and the brain. Also, muscle diseases, which can relate to various conditions, are generally treated by a neurologist. As a neurologist, you will deal with patients of all ages, who can suffer from various types of complaints, such as headaches, epilepsy, dementia, multiple sclerosis, dizziness, tingling, sleep disorders and radiating pain in the leg or arm. As a neurologist, you generally work within hospitals in the neurology department. A neurologist works together with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation doctors and radiologists. A neurologist therefore has to deal with patients who can have various disorders. In short, the substantive work of a neurologist can best be described as diagnosing patients by means of behavioral observation and holding conversations with patients. It is also the neurologist, who will try to determine with a special reflex hammer whether there is a malfunction. In addition, a neurologist may use electronic equipment if further examination is necessary. Think of making a brain film, or making a special scan with which you can look inside the body. Neurological physical examination is important to be able to determine exactly what causes specific complaints. A neurologist is therefore specialized in a broad way in disorders of the nervous system as well as in muscle diseases. In many cases, patients are confronted with a neurologist if other medical specialists think that research is needed. Think, for example, of general practitioners, internists and company doctors.
A neurologist is therefore a doctor who specializes in neurology. Neurology is a broad field that can cover a variety of conditions, from bothersome conditions to very serious conditions. Because every second can count, especially in acute emergency admissions, a neurologist also works in the emergency department. Think of patients who have suffered a stroke or a severe concussion. Depending on the patient's complaints and conditions, the neurologist works together with various other specialists. Think, for example, of a neuropsychologist when it comes to brain damage and of exercise therapists when it comes to limitations of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, a neurologist may refer patients to a specialized rehabilitation doctor. A neurologist can examine patients in a variety of ways to determine malfunctions in the brain or nerves. Think of tapping with a hammer on body parts or, for example, measuring nerves (nerve conduction). Making a brain film is also possible, for example to discover epilepsy. An epidural can offer a solution to detect meningitis. With the well-known MRI or CT scan, a neurologist can determine exactly where a brain tumor or back hernia is located.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES A NEUROLOGIST DO
A neurologist is broadly responsible for examining patients. A neurologist cannot be considered a surgeon because operative neurological disorders are performed by a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon. Depending on the type of complaint, a neurologist can also refer patients to general practitioners, speech therapists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists or to specialized nurses. In many cases, neurologists work in the neuro-oncology department. As described earlier, a neurologist works within a broad field. A neurologist therefore has to deal with many different diseases and disorders. Think, for example, of epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson's, hernia, brain tumors, muscular dystrophy, meningitis, brain damage and concussions.
VARIOUS TASKS AS A NEUROLOGIST:
- A neurologist examines patients (brain, muscles and nerves).
- A neurologist diagnoses patients.
- A neurologist provides information to patients.
- A neurologist accompanies patients.
- A neurologist provides acute care for neurological patients.
- A neurologist works together with other specialists, such as a surgeon.
- A neurologist refers patients to the right therapists.
- A neurologist prescribes medication to patients.
WHAT DOES A NEUROLOGIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A NEUROLOGIST
In order to become a neurologist, one will first have to go through the university study of medicine and then choose the specialization neurology that will take another six years. The first three years of this study consist of outpatient, inpatient and consultative neurology. The fourth year of the study consists of doing internships in the departments of neurosurgery, medium and/or intensive care and doing an internship at the department of pediatric neurology. The fifth year of the study consists of clinical neurophysiology (central and peripheral nervous system). The last year of the study you will have to specialize in neurology. The total training period to become a neurologist will take at least twelve years. For more information, see also the Dutch Society for Neurology where more information can be found.
COMPANIES WHERE A NEUROLOGIST CAN WORK
A neurologist generally works for hospitals in the neurology department, the outpatient clinic and/or the emergency department. In addition, a neurologist may work for a specialist hospital or a University Medical Centre.
COMPETENCES NEUROLOGIST
The competencies that a neurologist must meet are laid down by the Central College of Medical Specialties (CCMS). In general, we can say that a neurologist will have to have many different competencies, such as being able to act medically, being well-versed in communication, being able to work together, being professional, being decisive and of course you must have integrity. In addition, the general knowledge and science within this profession is very important. Generally important words are consultation, insight, testing, vigilance, planning, organizing, patience and stress resistance. Obviously, a neurologist has to deal with fixed professional competencies.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A NEUROLOGIST
The labour market perspective as a neurologist is very good, also in view of the heavy and long-term training. Obtaining work as a neurologist will therefore not be a problem because there is a great demand for good specialists. The career opportunities as a neurologist should be seen in building a good name or conducting scientific research. Obtaining a PhD as a scientist is also possible.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND SALARY NEUROLOGIST
In general, a neurologist in paid employment will fall under the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Specialists, in which the terms and conditions of employment are regulated. An employed neurologist will usually earn a salary between 6500 and 10000 euros gross per month, depending on age, education and further responsibilities.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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