![Neurologist](https://progress-careers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Neurologist.png)
April is Parkinson’s Awareness month, and so for our career of the month we are focussing on the career of Neurologist, someone who may support patients living with Parkinson’s.
We don’t yet know exactly why people get Parkinson’s, but researchers think it’s a combination of age, genetic and environmental factors that cause certain nerve cells in the brain to die. There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s. But the 3 most common are a tremor (shaking), slowness of movement, and muscle stiffness.
Neurologists specialise in diagnosing and treating disorders that affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. For patients with Parkinson’s, they will offer diagnosis, and meet to review how the condition is developing, advising on treatment. They play a crucial role in helping patients recover from debilitating conditions or manage symptoms, improving their overall quality of life.
Job Description
Salary range: £28k-£33k for newly qualified doctors up to £150k+ for qualified consultants
The job of a neurologist is complex and challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. As many of the conditions they treat are long-term, neurologists can build ongoing relationships with patients, working closely with them to develop treatment plans to help manage their symptoms.
Many of a neurologist’s patients struggle with chronic pain and other symptoms. Neurologists can provide targeted treatments and therapies that can help ease these symptoms and improve patients’ overall quality of life.
Neurologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research facilities. The NHS is the largest employer of neurologists, but there are opportunities in private practice too, though believed to be extremely competitive.
This job requires you to be able to remember a lot of complex information, to problem solve, and be able to communicate clearly to others.
You will need the scientific knowledge (gained through doing a university degree course) and be able to show empathy to those struggling with neurological conditions.
One of the main benefits of a career in neurology is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients.
Qualifications
To become a neurologist, you’ll need to complete extensive education and training. This typically includes:
- A four-year scientific degree at university
- A further four years of medical school.
After completing medical school, you’ll need to complete a residency (a time of on-the-job training) in neurology, which typically lasts between three and five years.
You can complete further specialist training to progress to higher salary bands and levels of responsibility.
A Level Biology would be a good starting point for getting onto a relevant degree course.
What you can be doing now
Before applying to complete a medical degree, you will be expected to have completed some work experience or volunteer work connected to medicine demonstrating your commitment to the role.
You could explore work experience opportunities at your local hospital, a nursing home, or through work shadowing a doctor.