Purpose and Mission
A neurologist is a doctor specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the nervous system, including all diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.
The professional scope of practice of a neurologist is quite wide, and may include patients with epilepsy, stroke, cerebral palsy, neural tube defects, muscular dystrophy, autism spectrum disorder, movement disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and speech, language and memory problems.
Although they often work closely together on cases, a neurologist is different from a neurosurgeon, who specialises in performing brain and nervous system surgeries.
Reports To
Neurologists in Australia typically work in a private practise model, so the majority may not have a direct supervisor. However, neurologists who are employees of hospitals, clinics and retirement facilities frequently report to a department head or service chief.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The supervisory responsibilities of neurologists vary notably by position and experience. Those who have been practising for many years, are often charged with training and evaluating residents and other members of the healthcare team. Some will also serve on hospital medical committees and/or as board members of their practice.
Qualifications
Doctors first earn a bachelor’s degree and then graduate from medical school to earn an MD. Newly graduated physicians then participate in a three- or four-year clinical residency program working with experienced colleagues.
You then begin a three or four-year training program in neurology to qualify for a fellowship in the speciality in the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP).
Medical doctors are required to register with both the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which works to provide administrative and policy support for the National Health Practitioners Boards.
Responsibilities of a Neurologist
The primary responsibilities of a neurologist include:
- Diagnosing and treating neurological system diseases and disorders such as central nervous system infections, cranio spinal trauma, dementia, and stroke
- Examining patients to determine the functional status of vision, physical strength, coordination, reflexes, sensations, language skills, cognitive abilities, and mental status
- Interpreting the results of neuroimaging studies such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans
- Interpreting the results of procedures or diagnostic tests including lumbar punctures, electroencephalography, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity tests
- Referring patients to other health care practitioners as required
- Prescribing medications and monitoring patients for side effects
- Prescribing or administering treatments including transcranial magnetic stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and deep brain stimulation
- Preparing or reviewing medical records such as patient histories, neurological examination findings, treatment plans and outcomes
- Interpreting results of laboratory analyses of patients
- Assessing brain death using known tests and standards
- Performing a variety of treatments in the fields of sleep disorders, neuroimmunology, neuro-oncology, behavioral neurology, and neurogenetics
- Ordering supportive care services including physical therapy, specialized nursing care, and social services
- Interviewing patients to learn about complaints, symptoms, medical histories, and family histories
- Telling patients and/or families about neurological diagnoses and prognoses, or discussing the benefits, risks and costs of possible treatments
- Diagnosing neurological conditions by interpreting exam findings, histories, or lab test results
- Developing treatment plans including evaluation of factors such as age and general health, or procedural risks and costs
- Participating in neuroscience research activities
- Consulting, supervising and training medical students or other staff members
- Undertaking continuing education activities as required by regulation
- Supervising technicians in performing diagnostic or therapeutic activities
- Discussing the background of neurological disorders, including risk factors, or genetic or environmental concerns, with patients or family members.
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