Hey guys. I am interested in a different field, but have had an interest in nsg at some point which prompted me to lurk forums like this and I still read it occasionally. I find many things relevant to nsg to be projectable to other fields. I am trying to understand one thing that seems to be quite unique to nsg, and am hoping it will let me understand some general concepts of different models of medical practice. What I think is unique about nsg is the special place academia has in it. I yet have to see the field that is more academic, in a broad sense. Fields like neurology, or say hem/onc, that one can think are just pure academia in their essence, are not exactly like that in reality. I don't have the actual statistics in hand, but I get the impression that majority of people in those fields use academia as a step to private practice at best. As opposed to that, at least by reading this forum, I am getting the impression that academic neurosurgery is a niche that people very thoughtfully choose for themselves and stick to it.  I realize that most often people do go to academia because they are genuinely interested in advancing their respective field. However it just does not completely fit my understanding of human nature -- committing to something that by definition brings almost twice as little money and arguably more work. Even if we are talking about highly intelligent people that go to nsg, it is hard for me to believe that people choose harder work for less money over lighter hours and higher pay. Is the situation more complex than I see it? Is there something else to it that makes academia appealing to people? One another way to phrase my question: how is the life of an academic neurosurgeon working at a busy trauma center and running a basic science lab for 500k better than the life of 8-6 spine guy in private practice making 800k? Is it JUST the interest/talent/altruism that drives the guy number one? And drives him so much that he makes an informed decision to not make those extra 300k, which could have made a significant impact on the lifestyle (I am not talking Ferraris, I am rather talking sending kids to college, which might be an issue if you have more than 1 or 2).

Does the place you match at for residency have a huge effect on fellowships? If the place I matched has a certain fellowship am I more likely to match to that fellowship because of this?

When to take? Did anyone knock it out between graduation and the start of intern year?

I'm tired of seeing these subpar applicants apply. We don't want you.

250+ step 1 crew checking in

Hi all,

M3 at a midwest school, wondering if anyone did a Sub-I here or know anything about the program?

Thanks.

The recent deluge of negativity has been somewhat disconcerting.  While I encourage free speech and discourse regarding programs and issues facing our field, there is a way to do so while maintaining a professional tone.  There are a wide range of people that view these forums online from attendings to residents to college and high school students as well as the general public.  While we may be crass with one another behind the call room or office door, airing it out in a public forum simply makes us look bad.  Please keep this in mind before you post

I understand that in order to become a CNS/AANS chair you need to be an authority in the field and have unique contributions in academic neurosurgery. I am very disappointed to see Alex Valadka, Sacarrow or Shelly Timmons taking these chair positions. Sacarrow spent all his career in private practice. Valadka spent all his career as an owner for a private group in Texas and just moved to his alma mater in Richmond for chair position. Shelly Timmons joined organized neurosurgery 3 years ago and thanks to women in neurosurgery for getting her in the AANS washington committee.

Unfortunately, this beautiful speciality is going to fall apart sooner than later just because of politics and inapproriate biased nominations in organized neurosurgery. Historically, Neurosurgeons are poor scientists but good surgeons. This current generation in organized neurosurgery has poor surgeons and shitty surgeons

planning to apply this cycle. step 1 in low 200s, step 2 in 240s. have 6 1st author pubs in neurosurgery. took an year off for research. Grades: combination of HPs, couple of Hs and 2 passes. Not AOA. I have been getting mixed reviews from attendings regarding applying to neurosurgery. Some say its risky to apply and others say its all about LORs. Not sure wat to do? Will be doing sub Is this year.Would like to apply to some general surgery programs as a back up. But was told that chances of getting interviews in programs with dual application in the same program in very low.  Any input will be really appreciated. I am pretty firm on pursuing neurosurg.

My P.D. wants me to do an away rotation there. Is it a malignant program?

How much does it hurt my chances to have research in another surgical specialty? I did a research year in a different surgical field between M2 and M3, and now I'm having doubts about that field and am seriously considering NS after exposure to the field during third year. My Step 1 score is okay (250+), and my clinical grades are currently pending. Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.