Physician / Doctor, Neurologist

Neurologists are physicians who are responsible for all aspects of patients' neurological care, including examination, diagnosis, and referral. They service a wide variety of patients, including those with sleep disorders, spinal cord or central nervous system injuries, genetic abnormalities, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s or multiple sclerosis. Neurologists treat established neurological patients by prescribing drugs or treatments and other therapies such as diet and lifestyle changes. Typically, they receive referrals from non-specialist physicians or emergency room personnel to make a diagnoses and provide patient treatment for neurological issues. Often, neurologists sub-specialize into a specific area of expertise. In these cases, they will be primarily responsible only for issues related to that particular area of expertise (such as multiple sclerosis) and refer and communicate other issues back to the patient’s primary care physician for treatment.

Neurologists work in a few different environments. They may work in private practice in a medical office setting, providing specialized care to a certain subset of neurological patients. They may work in a hospital setting and serve a more general patient base, including referrals from other hospital departments related to neurological issues. Some travel may be required to work with patients in various situations, including their home or other hospitals.

Extensive education including a doctor of medicine degree (MD) with board certification in neurology is required. Licensing by state and federal agencies is also required. In some positions, certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is needed, as neurological patients may be in danger of severe and quick changes in health status.

As a Neurologist with 0-3 years of experience in Singapore, your main responsibilities include:

• Conducting patient consultations, performing comprehensive neurological examinations, and reviewing medical histories to diagnose neurological conditions accurately.
• Implementing appropriate diagnostic tests such as imaging scans, blood tests, or electroencephalograms EEGs to aid in the diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Developing individualized treatment plans for patients, including prescribing medications, making referrals to other specialists, and recommending lifestyle modifications.
• Monitoring and documenting patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary, and providing ongoing care and support to patients and their families throughout their treatment journey.

For the Neurologist job role, the following qualifications are required:

• A physician must possess a Medical Degree (M.D. or D.O.) from an accredited medical school. This qualification forms the foundation of the extensive medical knowledge necessary for the role of a neurologist.
• Completion of a residency program in neurology is essential. Additionally, pursuing a fellowship in a specialized area of neurology, such as stroke, epilepsy, or neurocritical care, demonstrates advanced training and expertise.
• Neurologists should be board-certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) or other relevant board certification bodies. Certification validates the physician's competency in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions.
• A valid medical license to practice medicine is crucial.

The role of a Neurologist is crucial in providing specialized medical care for patients with neurological conditions. If you have 0-3 years of experience as a Physician/Doctor in Singapore and are looking for alternative roles, consider the following options:

• Research Assistant: Assist in conducting research studies to advance understanding of neurological disorders and contribute to medical knowledge.
• Medical Writer: Utilize your expertise to create educational materials, research papers, and reports related to neurology for medical journals, pharmaceutical companies, or healthcare organizations.
• Clinical Research Coordinator: Coordinate and oversee clinical trials and studies related to neurological conditions, ensuring compliance with protocols and ethical guidelines.
• Medical Consultant: Provide expert advice and guidance to healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutions on matters related to neurology and neurological treatments.

The demand for Neurologists in Singapore is expected to grow steadily in the next decade. With advancements in medical technology, an aging population, and an increasing prevalence of neurological disorders, the job role of a Neurologist is projected to expand significantly. According to the Ministry of Health Singapore, the number of Singaporeans aged above 65 years is estimated to reach 900,000 by 2030, leading to a surge in neurological conditions. Consequently, there will be a notable rise in employment opportunities for Neurologists in Singapore, ensuring a promising career path in the field.