How Are Neurosurgeons Trained?
After four years of medical school and an internship program, 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 cerebrovascular, pediatrics, spine, trauma and tumor. The resident program is long and difficult, due to the extreme complexity of the nervous system and the advanced techniques used in neurosurgical operations. Some neurosurgeons opt to do an additional fellowship in a particular area of study following their residency.

Following residency training and several years in practice, the neurological surgeon may take the American Board of Neurological Surgery examination -- a thorough assessment of the neurosurgeon's skill, judgement and depth of knowledge. The successful completion of this examination will result in board certification.

While the neurological surgeon has a comprehensive knowledge after medical school and residency training, there are continual changes in this specialty that require ongoing study throughout the neurological surgeon's professional career. Monthly scientific journals, annual meetings, specialized symposia and other educational opportunities help the neurosurgeon keep pace with rapid changes and developments in neurosurgery.