Making a positive impact on people’s health and their daily wellbeing is one reason many individuals consider taking on careers in the medical field. These positions not only help those in need, but they can lead to dependable salaries and solid careers. Obtaining education, training, and certification as physicians and surgeons can lead to the highest-paid healthcare jobs.
Salaries
Physicians and surgeons are generally the top earners in the medical industry, with neurosurgery being the highest paid. Neurosurgeons average salaries of $700k or more depending on different factors, such as the cities and states where they work, the types of medical institutions they work in, and various decisions made by the organizations they work for, such as forms of payment accepted or the methods used to practice medicine.
Other top earners among surgeons and physicians include orthopedic surgeons ($600k+), plastic surgeons ($570k+), cardiologists ($540k+), urologists ($500k+), and dermatologists ($465k+).
What a Neurosurgeon Does
A neurologist is a physician with expertise in the care of a patient’s brain, nerves, and spinal cord. Neurological problems can affect almost every part of the body in both adults and children. As a result, a neurologist can diagnose, treat, and help patients manage several conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, concussions, and multiple sclerosis. However, a neurologist doesn’t perform surgery—that’s the domain of a neurosurgeon.
Neurosurgeons take on different roles regarding diagnostics and surgical treatment of various disorders. Some of those situations include assistance with infections of the brain or spine, traumas, tumors, vascular disorders, strokes, and degenerative diseases of the spine.
Educational Requirements
The educational timeframe can vary for these high-paid medical professionals. However, after receiving a bachelor’s degree, a potential neurosurgeon must complete four years of medical school followed by a one-year internship in general surgery, then five to seven years in a neurosurgery residency program. Following their residencies, some go on to complete fellowships specializing in specific areas.
Once the educational requirements and training are completed, a potential neurosurgeon must take an exam administered by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). The individual has the option to take specialty exams if he or she wants to pursue subspecialty certifications in areas like neurocritical care, pediatric neurological surgery, neurological spine surgery, or stereotactic and functional neurosurgery.
One factor to remember is that a neurosurgeon will continue to learn well after taking exams and receiving board certifications. The professional will also learn while practicing and keeping up with the latest medical trends, which allows the neurosurgeon to provide the best care to his or her patients and help his or her medical team members while earning one of the highest incomes among physicians.
Other Factors to Consider
The number of hours neurosurgeons and other physicians work is typically higher than those worked by other medical professionals. For example, these surgeons are in high demand and generally work 70 hours per week. Emergencies can arise at different hours throughout the day and night, causing neurosurgeons to work irregular hours based on their clients’ needs.
Are you inspired by the high earning potential and impactful work of neurosurgeons? If you’re considering a career in the medical field, now is the time to take the first step toward making a difference in people’s lives while securing a rewarding future. The healthcare industry’s dynamic nature requires a strategic approach to Executive Recruitment, and Advantage Recruiting Group is the ideal solution for both employers and job seekers. Our dedicated team specializes in providing innovative and timely solutions for complex healthcare positions. From post-acute care to hospitals and therapy providers, we have industry experts and thought leaders in various sectors. Healthcare teams are elevated with ARG’s strategic healthcare recruitment solutions. Schedule an appointment now and let us empower your success in the healthcare industry.
