What is the salary of neurosurgeons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the salary of neurosurgeons, exploring various factors that influence earnings, including expenses, lifestyle, and the lengthy training required. Participants share personal insights and experiences related to the profession, as well as differing perspectives on motivations for pursuing a career in neurosurgery.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Personal reflection

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention an average salary of neurosurgeons around $700,000, with variations based on skill level, while others cite lower averages, such as $450,000.
  • Concerns are raised about the expenses associated with being a neurosurgeon, including malpractice insurance, which can range from $50,000 to $300,000 per year.
  • Participants discuss the long hours required in the profession, with estimates of 65 to 80 hours per week, and the impact this has on personal life and family time.
  • There are differing views on whether the financial compensation justifies the demanding lifestyle and extensive training, with some emphasizing the importance of passion for the field over monetary gain.
  • One participant highlights the competitive nature of neurosurgery as a specialty and the rigorous training path, which includes years of residency and potential fellowships.
  • Some express a desire to pursue neurosurgery for altruistic reasons, stating that helping people and saving lives is a primary motivation, regardless of salary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the average salary of neurosurgeons, with figures varying widely. There is also no agreement on the justification of the demanding lifestyle versus financial rewards, as opinions differ on motivations for entering the field.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that could affect salary, such as regional differences, personal financial situations, and the impact of medical school debt. The discussion includes assumptions about the financial landscape of the medical profession without resolving these complexities.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in neurosurgery, medical students, and those interested in the financial and lifestyle aspects of surgical specialties may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
Englishman said:
How come you can't do that with a physics degree?

I would explain if it weren't for this tongue stuck in my cheek.
 
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  • #32
Englishman said:
How come you can't do that with a physics degree?



Sarcasm is hard to detect in text form ;).
 
  • #33
sciencegal said:
yeah but it takes lots of years of experience to get into the millions

Well, it takes 11 years post-undergrad, and about $150,000+ of debt just to become a neurosurgeon.

And although there may be phsyicians out there making millions, this will not be possible for much longer, at least not by practicing medicine alone. Physician salaries will come down to (what some would say) more reasonable levels. A more "socialistic" healthcare system (which America is moving towards) may help a lot of people, but physicians aren't one of them.
 
  • #34
gatorphys said:
Well, it takes 11 years post-undergrad, and about $150,000+ of debt just to become a neurosurgeon.

And although there may be phsyicians out there making millions, this will not be possible for much longer, at least not by practicing medicine alone. Physician salaries will come down to (what some would say) more reasonable levels. A more "socialistic" healthcare system (which America is moving towards) may help a lot of people, but physicians aren't one of them.

even if salaries drop, physicians should be doing their jobs because they love it...not for the money!
 
  • #35
sciencegal said:
even if salaries drop, physicians should be doing their jobs because they love it...not for the money!


Ideally yeah, but realistically, a lot of people entered medicine for the money. These are the people who, now that their incomes are dropping, are dissatisfied with their careers choices. Although I think nowadays, less and less people are entering medicine solely for the money.
 
  • #36
well i want to be a neurosurgeon bcuz i really enjoy neuroscience and surgery from the age of 4. i have done many science fair projects that made it to the international level and also my cousin just recently graduated frm college to be a neurosurgeon. His starting salry is around $300000 and he will receive pay raises and benefits. I think medicine is an excellent field to go into and I don't believe neurosurgeon pay will get cut that much. currently in the city where I live there is a neurosurgery position for $500,000 the requirements is board certification and a degree so that a great starting salary. I'm seeking that job hopefully its still there when i graduate.While I am in college for 5 to 7 year your salary will be around $45K to $60K. I also have an uncle who is neurosurgeon and he makes about $850000 a year. he said it took him about 6 years to pay off all his debt but he was still happen to offord a nice home in the gated community he lives in now
MEDICINE IS THE CAREER FIELD TO GO INTO
 

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