Neurologists
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.
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
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Medical software
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Epic Systems
- Nuesoft Technologies NueMD
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
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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
- Electroencephalograph EEGs
Knowledge
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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.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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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.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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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.
Skills
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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.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Abilities
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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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?
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Post-doctoral training
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Doctoral degree
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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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
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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.
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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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.