Brain Surgeon Salary: Qualifications, Education, And More

The brain surgeon has been an integral part of human survival since the Stone and Middle Ages. Archeologist’s findings reveal evidence of the first brain surgery’s known as Trepanning, a procedure to address insanity and mental imbalances. Drilling small holes in the cranium using small stone tools was an operation thought to benefit the patient both spiritually and supernaturally by freeing the evil entity responsible.

Even in ancient times, the brain surgeon salary depended on treating head trauma, cranial fractures, spine injuries, hydrocephalus (cerebrospinal fluid in the brain) headaches and subdural effusions (space in the brain tissue following injury). In the early days of medicine, doctors thought brain surgeries to be an effective method of treatment for epilepsy, migraines, inflammation of the bone and muscle and head injuries; the basic belief in many ancient procedures was to excise the part of the brain that suffered or caused the damage.

This thinking was not illogical as even in today’s medical community, diseased organs and those who cease to function correctly get operated on to stop the spreading of disease. Early brain surgeons removed the frontal lobes of many patients’ suffering from mental illness due to the belief that the lobes controlled a person’s behavior.

The medical community commonly refers to today’s brain surgeons as neurosurgeons; performing surgery on the brain, surrounding nerves, and spinal cord. They surgically remove growths and tumors, administer treatment to cranial wounds and aid in relieving chronic pain. They can also perform surgery in treating Parkinson’s and epileptic seizures. The brain surgeon salary also covers administering medical treatment in the following areas including:

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Neurosurgery, also known as neurological surgery, is a medical specialty centered on the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders affecting any part of the central nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the extra-cranial cerebrovascular system. Many neuropathologists specialize in treating these diseases and conditions analyzing tissues obtained from either patient biopsies or post mortem autopsies.

Some of the most common tissue samples include those taken from muscle fibers and nervous system tissue. Once the surgeon removes the tissues, they undergo analysis. The doctor can then determine the extent of the pathology which may include studying tissue samples of patients suffering from:

You must first become a doctor of medicine before specializing in brain surgery.  The brain surgeon salary depends on this achievement along with serving seven years as a resident. Aspiring brain surgeons must pass a national exam and get their state license.  After passing the test, certification comes from the American Board of Medical Specialties.They require potential brain surgeons to possess manual dexterity, physical strength and stamina, be articulate and communicate intelligently in writing.  They must also be able to solve problems, be empathetic, pay attention to details, and be knowledgeable of the latest medical software and technology used in managing patients' charts.

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The admissions board in medical schools seek individuals with strong science coursework in biology, chemistry, math, and physics. In addition, they expect the applicants to supplement their undergraduate courses with classes in English and social science studies.  This coursework prepares the student for the brain surgeon salary by preparing them to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which measures the student’s knowledge of physical science, biological functions, verbal reasoning and cognitive skills.

They recommend you have good relationships with people that can mentor you.  Thoughtful, considerate mentors help students in their navigation of the medical school and the admissions process.

They make important contributions to the new applicant’s progress including:

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During their first two years in medical school, students learn the important foundational teachings of medicine by taking science courses on topics focusing on psychiatry, courses in pharmacology and instruction dealing with different fields of internal medicine such as gastroenterology.  They also take courses on how to solve problems and how to care for patients.  Applicants usually start their rotations in a clinical environment, working in a surgical and neurosurgical clerkship during the two remaining years of the program.

To become a licensed brain surgeon, students must successfully pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) which comprises 3 parts.  They usually complete their pre-clinical education before taking the USMLE.  They’ll take the second part of the exam upon completion of their clinical rotations.  Some states require doctors to complete parts one and two of the USMLE to receive their license as a resident-check with your individual state for more information.  Some states also require a license for any medical doctors in residence.  Medical students need to investigate their state's requirements for resident licensing and apply.

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It takes seven years to complete a neurosurgical residency.  This is when the aspiring brain surgeon gains vital hands-on experience in emergency situations, elective surgeries and pediatric and adult surgeries.  It is during this period the student gets the chance to work within various areas of the neurological system including the spinal column and the extremities and increase their knowledge of neuroradiology and neuropathology.

The brain surgeon salary reflects the years of education and experience in the field as a specialist.  This is why completing a fellowship is important.  Taking part in a fellowship helps the potential brain surgeon secure valuable work experience with conditions of the brain.

Fellowships can focus on any of the following areas:

A state board must license you to practice medicine legally.  States may vary regarding the details, but they all require the applicants to submit proof of training and successful passing of all three parts of the USMLE.  Many students traditionally take part three of the exam while in their first or second year as a resident.

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Board certified brain surgeons more employment opportunities-important news for those doctors seeking to advance their careers.

Certification requirements include:

To maintain their certification status, neurosurgeons stay involved in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program put in place by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

This process has four steps:

The entry-level brain surgeon salary reflects less than 5 years total work experience. You can expect to earn an average salary of $301,000.  This total figures in tips, bonuses, and overtime pay. A Neurosurgeon with over 5 years’ experience, including employees with 5 to 10 years of experience can expect a salary over $395,000. The experienced neurosurgeon including employees with 10 to 20 years of experience can expect a salary over $400,000. A neurosurgeon with employees with over 20 years of experience can make a salary over $440,000. The average brain surgeon salary is $380,378 per year.

Having skill and training in the following areas pay the highest salaries:

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Doctors are some of the most highly revered practitioners in our community. They're smart, compassionate and stressed.  Their focus is on healing and eliminating pain and suffering when possible. All doctors work to help people, but the brain surgeon frequently has especially gratifying outcomes from successful surgeries where patients become free from severe pain, physical disabilities or death.

Neurosurgeons perform many complicated procedures, including fixing carpal tunnel syndrome, removing brain tumors, repairing gunshot wounds and removing damaged areas of the brain associated with epilepsy. Neurosurgeons may also take part in innovative research, helping increase medical knowledge of terminal illnesses.

When asked to give the pros and cons of neurosurgery, one doctor commented that the look on their patient’s face gave them more satisfaction than any amount of money, the cons were about the stress.  This career forces the surgeon to make life and death decisions in seconds.

It’s for the well-balanced, (almost) fearless doctor who followed their passion for helping people live better lives.  It takes patience, education, training and a sincere desire to ease the suffering encountered in life.  If this is you, the operating room and the brain surgeon salary is calling!

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