“Now What Do I Do?” - Practical Challenges Faced By Young Neurosurgeons in their Career Management

Abstract

Neurosurgical residency is tough. Grueling hours and tough decisions require a mental makeup unlike many other specialties. But the real examination begins after the residency is over. Many young neurosurgeons are faced with a daunting task of deciding their future as soon as they step out of the medical school. Sometimes, such decisions can shape the entire career of the neurosurgeon. However, over the many years of academic teaching and learning what we are not taught is how to “Manage.” Management of careers, decision making, and understanding the business end of our profession is lacking. Here, we review the career and decisions needed to be taken by a young neurosurgeon through the glass of a business management mindset. We try to define the opportunities and decisions and how they may reflect on the general population and patients as a whole.