Hey all,

I'm an incoming US MD student looking at neurosurgery. I know most folks change their mind, but I was able to shadow private practice spine for >10 weeks and I loved it, so I'm going to try to orient myself toward it. It's the only thing I've shadowed where I came away from it wishing I'd been able to come in on weekends.

On top of being a very academic specialty, I'll likely be going to an entirely p/f school, with extra pressures to separate myself. My concern is that as an undergrad, I only did wet lab research, and much of the neuroscience I learned was behavioral. I know very little about stats or how to write a paper. At this juncture I lack the knowledge base to be useful to a PI, and I want a few pointers on how to get started, ie background lit and how I can develop a helpful research skillset. I don't even know how you'd start with retrospective chart review, or a meta analysis. What are some good resources to get started? Broad strokes are fine, I just need somewhere to devote my efforts for now.

I know that reaching out as an M1 the assumption will be that I am mostly useless, but I'd like to make a good impression and start off strong.

Graduation year: 2025 Visa requiring Non-US International Medical Student, no USMLE scores yet, 1 month USA observership, 2 months Europe clerkship (abroad), 1 research project (as PI) - 4 articles - 4 congress presentations, strong social CV but not strong in reserch.

The only specialty I dream about is neurosurgery in USA.

What is your suggestion to me? Should I start neurosurgery residency in my country (6 years) or directly come to USA to make research?

I’m curious if the 80 hours/week is maintained throughout all of residency or if it starts to taper as you progress in training. I’ve heard that pgy 2-3 are exceptionally demanding, but I’m not sure about later years or even research year.

About to do a neurosurgery elective soon, and I would like to hear from residents and attendings what would make me stand out. Need the secrets.

Selling an ABNS Anki set for the written exam. Includes all updated questions from practice exams 1-4, the module bundle, and ABNS archive with answers/abbreviated explanations. Over 3200+ questions.

I'm an International Medical Graduate (IMG) seeking a Neurosurgery research position in the US. I've been applying for years through cold emailing. I have secured recommendation letters from a US-based attending physician and a neurosurgery mentor from my home country. I have average scores on the USMLE Step exams and no publications, I actively attend virtual conferences and engage in networking opportunities while residing in my home country. I'd appreciate guidance on the following:

1. Beyond cold emailing and official job listings, what additional strategies can I employ to connect with US-based Neurosurgery attendings?
2. To enhance my virtual seminar and course participation, what specific opportunities or platforms would be most beneficial?
3. Would accepting research positions in my home country, outside of Neurosurgery, bolster my application?
4. Are there IMG-friendly institutions or attendings I should consider? I've reviewed AANS-listed neurosurgical residency programs, but insider insights would be valuable.
5. What are the optimal months to apply? I assume most positions become available after the Match results are released?
6. I'm happy to offer assistance with research projects, including literature review and research proposal writing. If anyone needs help, please feel free to reach out.

I'm willing to share more details about my application if necessary. Thank you!

Any recommendations for question books?

Hey all, I was just wondering if any of you have done neurosurgery after completing another residency or if you know someone that did that. I feel like second residències are usually on radiology, psychiatry.. But haven't heard of specialties like neurosurgery.

I would appreciate if I could talk to someone on dm about my situation or comments of your own experience if you did it or about someone you know.

Thank you so much!!

As the title says, what's the best Neurosurgery program in Houston? Any graduates from any of the three programs. I know up and close BCM, which is an excellent program. Don't have any insight on the other programs, does anybody know how these programs fair against each other.

It's more than clear that any of the three will create an excellent Neurosurgeon, as with the vast majority of programs since it's a very peculiar field.

Thanks, any input helps.

Dear all,

I am a current 4th year UK med student (on a 6 year course) looking to apply for US residency (NSurg), would like to seek some advice on my application schedule for residency.

4th year: Finish Step 1

5th year: Finish Step 2

(Gap Year) Either do a Masters in SurgSci/NeuroSurg or a research year in the UK, while doing virtual research with a US group (I am unable to leave the UK for an entire year), while completing my Sub-Is, getting LOR

6th Year: Complete UK exams, Apply for Match in Sept/Oct.

P.S I know its extremely competitive to match Neurosurg as an IMG but why not try :) Would hugely appreciate any advice or help!

Would this schedule be okay? Would I get all the necessary documentation in time to apply for a visa in the US? Would it be recommended to do Step 3 or a PHD? Thank you all!! :)

In addition, any advice on how to publish neurosurgery related papers would be incredibly helpful :)

Thank you for letting me post!

Rising M3 approaching the time to decide where I'd like to do aways - considering NSY right now, but looking for some guidance about which programs are blue collar in nature. Not really looking to be heavy in executing research once in residency, but looking for the stereotypical blue collar type residency, high volume, high trauma, etc.

Would love some suggestions on any programs that fit that description to help me know where to apply for aways - also if anyone has specific thoughts on TX programs, looking to hopefully return to that state for residency.

Hello everyone. Is anyone doing any review articles or any other type of research and needs help? I would love to be involved in any way possible. I am interested in Neurosurgery and I am trying to gain some research experience. I am currently a 5th year medical student in Europe and I am trying to get research experience. I have experience in writing policy papers(I don't know if they count), but I learn really fast and I am currently taking a course on how to do meta-analysis. I'm just shooting my shot.

Good afternoon Students & Doctors,

I am currently in a situation that is not uncommon for IMGs. I recently finished the second year of medical school, and the research opportunities at my medical school were scarce during the first couple of years and ultimately led nowhere. I am now back in the United States for clinicals and have no research experience.

Here’s how I ended up in this situation: I am a non-traditional student who was on active duty in the U.S. Army while attending undergraduate courses at night. Despite approaching my professors and being willing to conduct research during nighttime, it wasn’t an option at my college.

My undergraduate and medical school grades are stellar, and I plan to maintain this track record throughout the next two years and for the STEP 2 exam. However, I am concerned that my future residency application will be lacking if I do not find research opportunities in the coming year. Given that I am attending a foreign medical school, I am already at a significant disadvantage when it comes to competitive residencies.

I would greatly appreciate any insight, advice, comments, or personal experiences.

Best regards,

A 3rd-year Med Student

Hi! I’m a student from the Philippines who will be joining a neurosurgery elective in Australia next year 😁 I just wanted to ask if you guys have any tips on how to make the most out of the sub-i-ship? I have begun going through the Dura deck to make sure I brush up on the basics as early as now.

Thank you so much!

Hi, i am a final year med student, passed step 1 (3 months ago), IMG, non-vslo, have a good research experience, trying to get a hands-on neurosurgical elective, still have 6 months for my graduation, where should i apply and when, do i have any chance?

Good afternoon Doctors & Medical Students,

I am currently in a situation that is not uncommon for IMGs. I recently finished the second year of medical school, and the research opportunities at my medical school were scarce during the first couple of years and ultimately led nowhere. I am now back in the United States for clinicals and have no research experience.

Here’s how I ended up in this situation: I am a non-traditional student who was on active duty in the U.S. Army while attending undergraduate courses at night. Despite approaching my professors and being willing to conduct research during nighttime, it wasn’t an option at my college.

My undergraduate and medical school grades are stellar, and I plan to maintain this track record throughout the next two years and for the STEP 2 exam. However, I am concerned that my future residency application will be lacking if I do not find research opportunities in the coming year. Given that I am attending a foreign medical school, I am already at a significant disadvantage when it comes to competitive residencies.

I would greatly appreciate any insight, advice, comments, or personal experiences.

Best regards,

A 3rd-year Med Student

Hey everyone,

I’m currently in an 8-year BS/MD program (first reddit post) and will be graduating with my BS in December 2024 (will be done in 2.5 years). However, I’m not allowed to matriculate into medical school early, which means I’ll have about 1.5 years off before I start med school. I also have to take the MCAT by September 2025 (one attempt, score in 80th percentile cutoff) and I definitely need to spend a lot of time preparing but I'm worried about the time after because I can't just start seeking opportunities then at the last minute (unless I end up not meeting the cutoff 💀).

I’m trying to figure out the best way to use this time productively with an interest in neuro-related opportunities, but I’m feeling a bit lost on how to approach it. I want to make the most of this gap year without being aimless or bored out of my mind. Here’s what I’m considering and what I’m seeking advice on:

1. Research Opportunities: I’m interested in pursuing research during this time, preferably in clinical research or related to neuro-oncology/neurosurgery. I’m from Northern VA, and while I’ve looked into local institutions like GWU and Georgetown, they seem more focused on patient care rather than research (not really heavy research output institutions, neither are the labs). NIH opportunities mostly involve wet lab work, which doesn’t align with my interests, and getting into the NIH requires connections. I really don't see NIH as a viable option unless it can really open up connections for me in the future but in terms of research itself I'm valuing publications more because that's what residencies are giving weightage to at least as something I can control (if I get into a lucky lab). I don't want to end up spending a year in a wet lab with no guarantee of a publication. Can anyone suggest ways to find good research positions or other institutions that might offer relevant research opportunities (clinical, neuro-oncology/neurosurgery) and how I can seek them/connect with them?

That too I don’t really have any wet lab experience (aside from working in one wet lab this upcoming fall for one semester) because I wanted to take a chill approach in undergrad and just focus on classes, getting good grades, and graduating early which meant not participating in on-campus research, shadowing locally, or pursuing any leadership positions or campus clubs/extracurriculars. My undergrad institution makes me depressed which is why I never got involved.

I think clinical research is my best bet and I am interested in neuro-oncology/neurosurgery at least from a research standpoint because of the work I’m doing with a dry lab at a well-known children’s hospital and they’ve been really good in terms of productivity + supporting me (on 2 pre-prints) since they mainly use machine learning & data science. I got lucky to be placed with them in a summer program I did last year and I plan on continuing to work with them but I’m not sure/hesitant to pursue any longer more permanent position because I seriously have no coding experience or relevant computer skills which they know about as well (everyone on the team is either proficient in coding/AI + ML or are MD/residents doing research) so I can't really be of much help as a key member and I’m kind of just faking it till I make it right now. In any case I plan on just continuing to work with them on the side since it's all dry lab/work-from-home during my gap year. I just don’t see how feasible it would be to spend a whole year and sufficiently meet their expectations when it comes to contributing.

1. Long-Term Career Planning: Given the competitive nature of specialties and the importance of publications, how can I make the most of this gap year to prepare for med school and future career prospects without prematurely committing to a specific field?

I’m not making any crazy statements like I’m definitely going to be a neurosurgeon because all I’ve seen are a few procedures + the research side but I know the training and lifestyle can be crazy and as I grow older + hopefully go to med school my interests may change and other factors will influence my specialty choice. I thought it might not be a bad idea to at least do research in the field since I like it and it wouldn’t hurt if I do decide to want to pursue the career but I am also worried about if it would be a waste to just focus on this field if I lets say don’t want to become one anymore or don’t get high enough Step scores + med school grades/rankings + rotations feedback to be competitive for the specialty and I’d be left with a bunch of neuro-specific research from this year. 

I also don’t know who I would need to contact seeking neurosurgery specific research in the clinical side (to at least maximize chances of paper productivity) as I don’t have connections or how I can make the decision of committing to a good lab/mentor for a whole year since research is so much about luck at the end of the day. My program is based in LI and is associated with a strong healthcare network that has a home neurosurgery program so I am thinking of talking to them as well about opportunities but I don’t want to come off as naive or inappropriate by openly stating my intentions for a research year and not wasting it without getting pubs. Sorry I don’t mean to sound like a publication whore 😭 (have 1 now), I just don’t want to end up wasting a year in some lab. 

1. Other Suggestions: If you’ve been in a similar situation or have ideas on productive ways to spend this time, I’d love to hear your suggestions. I’m open to internships, volunteer work, or any other opportunities (i.e. currently applying for the Marshall scholarship bc why not) that could be beneficial. I'd like something paid and am open to unique things that might open my horizons like any international research positions or other fellowships, anything neuro related, I could apply for or anything else that comes to your mind for what I can do during that year. I know people suggest that I take the time to travel and do anything I like because I won't get it bad but tbh I'm kind of a loner and like spending time with family and just exploring whatever city I'm in lmfao. If anyone currently in the field is aware of any potential research opportunities that might be suited to my interests and long-term goals either at their institutions or other places I would greatly appreciate it and would love to connect with you and share my CV 🙏.

I appreciate any advice or personal experiences you can share. I want to make sure this time is used effectively and doesn’t just slip away. I also apologize for this ridiculously long post. Thanks in advance for your help!

“Amid the ongoing war in our country, my wife and I, both neurosurgical residents (I am in my 6th year, and she is in her 4th year), have been compelled to relocate. We are seeking information on funded training programs that may be available to us in any country worldwide. Additionally, we are uncertain whether our previous years of training will be recognized or if we will need to start anew. We have numerous concerns and questions, but we find it difficult to articulate them all at once. Any guidance or advice from this community would be greatly appreciated.”

Hello, my name is Lwandle, I am required to conduct an interview for my practical assessment task. I need to interview someone who is in the field I want to be in when I grow up(Neurosurgery).

Can I please send my interview questions to someone with a bit of experience in this field so do they can answer them.

If you can, your urgency is appreciated.

Hey! Hope you guys are doing well. Can someone guide me on where I could perform my electives/sub-i in Neurosurgery in the US. I really love the field but all the places I've checked only accept VSLO applications and my university is not a part of that. Any advice would be god-sent. Thank you so much!

Hello neurosurgeons, I am a final-year medical student, recently passed USMLE STEP 1. Does anyone have any neurosurgery research opportunities that i can get involved into. I am really thrilled to participate in meta, case reports, reviews, etc.

Hey all, I will be entering my first year in normal college with the intention of going to med school. The thought of neurosurgery interests me greatly, however I am keeping an open mind. I wanted to get some advice on how to go about my college days to make sure it goes smoothly. I understand everyone’s journey is different, but I would love to hear from anyone. I would like to know if shadowing as a freshman is possible, if so, how difficult is it to make it happen? What can I do to start getting a feel for medicine and if it is truly something I want? Thank you all!

I've been looking at the research currently done on treating many different injuries that emerge due to serve TBIs like edemas, hematomas, hemorrhages. However all I've seen to have found is bench/wet research on gene therapy for conditions that arise from birth defects. I was more so looking at the current research being done on the innovation done to help treat brain injuries that are a resort of trauma or better understand their pathophysiology. I read multiple papers on TBI treatment papers that said that better understanding on the pathophysiology types of brain injuries would better help treatment options, which is why I wanted to apply to MSTPs. However, the more I look into potential labs, the more it seems like I don't need the PhD portion. Even the clinical labs I have found focus on therapies after someone has already received care for a severe TBI, which is confusing me even more, since its making me question how innovation in this field can even occur? I found this reddit post https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1ff1sd/how_are_new_surgical_procedures_developed_and/ and it kind of shows that maybe innovation in this field can be brought through creating new surgical techniques, and seems to not need research (wet/clinical trials) done beforehand unless you plan to standardize the technique, which in that case would be clinical. So would this mean I don't need a PhD in order to help further the field of the pathophysiology and treatments for brain injuries?

First of all, I will be finishing medical school next year. I live in Spain, and here it is fairly reasonable to become one, as you "only" need a moderately good result in a standarized test.

That being said, a couple things about me. I know that I want to become a surgeon. Consults bore me to death and every time I'm in the OR I feel like I belong there.

I have a very strong interest in how the brain works. But I also have interest in other stuff. I could do trauma, it is very, very exciting (and better paid), maybe a better work/life balance, but the brain is the brain, nothing compares it. It is so mysterious and beautiful.

From what I know, work hours aren't as bad as in the US, but it is still an extreme specialty. My question to you all is: is it worth for you becoming a neuro? Is the lifestyle that bad? With all honesty, are you happy? Does the vocation fade away after years?

Hey nsg bros, as Im on my final year of residency, older colleague offered me two choices for subspec, endoscopy (mainly skull base) and peripheral nerves. Now others like vascular or pediatric have already been taken by older colleagues. What is your opinion regarding this? Also keep in mind where I live , we have max 30 cases of for example pitNets/ Rathke cleft cysts. (640k population).

Hi I wanted to ask for advice on preparing for an internship in neurosurgery.

Context: I am lucky enough to be able to do an internship in neurosurgery for about 4 weeks at a clinic near me (in Germany) through family contacts. I myself am studying cognitive psychology and would like to move into neuroscience in the future. I thought an insight into the more practical part of neurology would be very good and generally very interesting. Now that the internship starts in less than a month and I don't have much history with areas of medicine etc (my studies are still focused on physics and psychology at the moment) I wanted to ask how best to build up a small base of basic knowledge to get a very simple overall picture first. I also wanted to ask if there are any typical tasks in the internships that are not very different internationally in order to perhaps prepare myself mentally and physically.

It would be very nice if someone could help me with these questions and give me some advice!

Hi Folks, I’m looking for any open NSGY residency positions as the title states above. If anyone knows of any vacant spots currently, please let me know. Thanks

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Hello,

I'm currently a high school junior and, since we're nearing summer, I was wondering if any of you had a recommendation for what I could do to help me discover more about neurosurgery to understand if I actually want to pursue it.

By the way, if it helps with recommending something, I'm in New Jersey.

The reason that I'm considering this so intently is that I like what I've seen of surgery, I enjoy the premed subjects, and I'm extremely fascinated with the brain, sentience, and the nervous system. While I know that my love for helping others should be up there, I can't in good faith say that it's what's making me consider neurosurgery. However, I have done some volunteering in PT and can say that I enjoy talking to patients and helping them. Maybe as I begin to have more impact on patients' care, it'll become a main drive. It's just that right now, I have very little influence over it, and therefore it lacks a strong impression on me.

Thank you.