Neurological Surgery, Training and Certification

• Becoming a neurosurgeon requires many years of study and hard work. Typically, education includes four years of undergraduate school, preferably with a major in a science, followed by four years of medical school. A medical student interested in neurosurgery would then do up to eight years of internship and residency before she is qualified as a neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons generally need certification to practice by passing examinations with the American Board of Neurological Surgery.
  
  

Nature of the Chairman's Work

• A chairman of neurosurgery is a surgeon engaged in running the neurosurgery department for a hospital. Often this facility is associated with a medical school and the chairman also manages a group of neurosurgery medical residents. The chairman typically performs surgeries, administers the operations of the surgical unit and oversees the education of residents. Her job is a demanding one that requires dedication and long hours.
  
  

Neurosurgery Chairman Salary

• Neurosurgeons command some of the highest salaries in the filed of medicine. A 2005 MedHire survey cited average starting compensation ranging from $400,000 to $800,000, and a 2006 MGMA survey listed average yearly neurosurgeon income as $578,000. While salaries for chairpersons of departments are not listed separately, these surgeons command additional compensation for the extra duties they have.
  
  

Occupational Outlook

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, does not list neurosurgeon salaries separately, but does state that job opportunities for surgeons in general are very good, especially in rural or low-income areas. With Baby Boomers starting to retire and age, the outlook for neurosurgery in particular is excellent. Older people are more apt to need the services of a neurosurgeon.
  
  

Continuing Education

• While neurosurgeons command high salaries, they need to keep up with constant changes and advancements in neuroscience. The American Board of Neurological Surgery offers continuing education courses to keep their members up to date.