More Neurologists Please

Yesterday's news caught my attention. As two of my children are currently pursuing degrees in medicine, this article presents a relevant topic to ponder. I know for sure that their sister Zayye is definitely not pursuing this line of subspecialty.

The Star12042010 quoted the Malaysian Health Minister, Liow Tiong Lai as saying that there were only 52 neurologists in Malaysia to treat about 20,000 patients suffering from Parkinson disease. It also mentioned that at least 112 are needed now. As he was at a Malaysian Parkinson's Day dinner, he gave the impression that neurologists only treated patients suffering from Parkinson disease. He did not mention Alzheimer's, Autism, Brain disorders and all kinds of diseases affecting the brain and central nervous system (Spine) that needed the attention of the neurologist.

Wikipedia definition of Neurology:

 Neurology (from Greek , neuron, "nerve"; and - , -logia) is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Specifically, it deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue, such as muscle.[1] The corresponding surgical specialty is neurosurgery. A neurologist is a physician who specializes in neurology, and is trained to investigate, or diagnose and treat neurological disorders. Pediatric neurologists treat neurological disease in children. Neurologists may also be involved in clinical research, clinical trials, as well as basic research and translational research.

At one time, every bright child wanted to be a brain surgeon. A brain surgeon is also called a neurosurgeon. Malaysia needs needs more brain surgeons as there are only 5 at present.

So all budding medical students out there, perhaps you should consider specialising as a neurologist or neurosurgeon after you have passed your first degree. It could be a rewarding and lucrative career.