Neurologists

Adult and Pediatric Neurologist

Adult Neurologist

General Neurologist

Neurologist

Pediatric Neurologist

Physician

What is a Neurologist?

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders related to the nervous system. This includes conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body. Neurologists are trained to assess and manage a wide range of neurological issues, including strokes, headaches, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. They often employ various diagnostic tools such as MRI scans, EEGs, and lumbar punctures to understand patients' symptoms better. Neurologists may also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as neurosurgeons, psychiatric specialists, and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care for their patients. The field of neurology is continuously evolving, with ongoing research leading to new treatments and interventions for complex neurological conditions.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Interview patients to obtain information, such as complaints, symptoms, medical histories, and family histories.
Examine patients to obtain information about functional status of areas, such as vision, physical strength, coordination, reflexes, sensations, language skills, cognitive abilities, and mental status.
Perform or interpret the outcomes of procedures or diagnostic tests, such as lumbar punctures, electroencephalography, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity tests.
Order or interpret results of laboratory analyses of patients' blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
Diagnose neurological conditions based on interpretation of examination findings, histories, or test results.

Technology Skills

Medical software
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Epic Systems
- Nuesoft Technologies NueMD
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
- Email software
Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software

Tools Used

Neurological diagnostic sets
Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation units
Reflex hammers or mallets
Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets
- Ophthalmoscopes
- Otoscopes
Electroencephalograph EEGs
- Electroencephalograph EEG equipment
- Electromyographs EMG

Knowledge

Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

14 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R85,566pm

How to know if you are ready to be a Neurologist in South Africa

Choosing a career in Neurology is a commitment to understanding the most complex organ in the human body: the brain. In the current South African healthcare landscape, the demand for specialised neurological expertise is significant, with 14 active job openings currently available. Financially, the path is rewarding; while the average salary sits at R85,566pm, market data from 2024 shows a strong upward trajectory, with monthly earnings starting at approximately R75,298 in January and projected to reach R94,123 by December.

Is Neurology Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this rigorous path, evaluate whether you possess the following core traits and cognitive dispositions:

Analytical Excellence: Can you synthesise complex clinical data to identify patterns in neurological dysfunction?
Meticulous Attention to Detail: Do you have the patience to perform intricate physical examinations and interpret subtle neuroimaging results?
Emotional Resilience: Are you prepared to support patients and families dealing with chronic or degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Motor Neuron Disease, or Stroke?
Strong Communication Skills: Can you explain complex biological processes in a way that is accessible and empathetic to patients from diverse South African backgrounds?
Inquisitive Mindset: Do you have a natural drive to stay updated on the latest neuroscientific research and pharmacological advancements?

A Day in the Life of a South African Neurologist

Your day typically begins early, whether you are based in a bustling public sector hospital like Chris Hani Baragwanath or a private facility such as a Netcare or Mediclinic. The morning usually starts with ward rounds, where you assess patients admitted for acute conditions like meningitis, status epilepticus, or acute stroke. You work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including neurosurgeons, radiologists, and physiotherapists, to coordinate comprehensive care plans.

The afternoon often shifts to outpatient consultations. Here, you will see a variety of cases ranging from chronic migraine management to diagnosing multiple sclerosis. In the South African context, you must be adept at clinical diagnosis, as access to high-end neuroimaging may vary across provinces. Your day is a constant balance between high-stakes emergency interventions and long-term patient relationship management, all while navigating the administrative requirements of the HPCSA and medical schemes.

Education & Upskilling

The journey to becoming a Neurologist in South Africa is extensive and requires a high level of dedication to formal academic achievement:

Formal Degree: You must first complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at a recognised South African university (6 years), followed by two years of internship and one year of community service.
Specialisation: You must then enter a registrar programme to obtain a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Neurology or become a Fellow of the College of Neurologists of South Africa (FC Neurol) through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA).
Short Courses & Certifications: Beyond your degree, specialised short courses in Electroencephalography (EEG), Electromyography (EMG), or Neuro-epidemiology are essential for honing your technical skills.

It is vital to remember that continuous learning is key. The field of neuroscience evolves rapidly; attending annual conferences and engaging in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is not just a regulatory requirement but a professional necessity to provide the highest standard of care.

Next Steps

Deciding to specialise in Neurology is a life-changing choice that offers the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of South Africans. If you feel a calling to master the intricacies of the nervous system and are ready to embrace a career of lifelong learning and clinical excellence, it is time to take the next step. Test your readiness now by taking our professional career assessment to see if you have the aptitude and drive to succeed in this prestigious medical field.

Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Abilities

Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Post-doctoral training

64 %
Doctoral degree

29 %
Master's degree

5 %

Work Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Detailed Work Activities

Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
Test patient nervous system functioning.
Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.

Work Interests

Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.