Sorry, I've been rather busy and haven't been able to give this thread as much attention. I'm glad residents are stepping up to help continue the Q&A.
How do you and your colleagues value research?
Bench research > clinical research > epidemiological?
From what I understand, heavy bench research seems to be the "best" and epidemiological is more "this should not be called research". Even though solid epidemiological research can be very intellectual and not uncommonly published in NEJM/JAMA/Lancet..
Does interest outperform what type of research it is?
Thanks for your comments so far in the thread
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by whether my colleagues and I value research, but in our setting we don't usually perform bench research. If you are asking from a student perspective (looking to get into a good medical school or residency), then bench research is usually very good to do. Passion in a research field of interest is important, but it depends.
Can you discuss moonlighting opportunities during residency to raise your salary over those short 7 years?
It varies from program to program, but you often have the opportunity to moonlight, especially during certain years. However, generally programs will add in-house moonlight hours to your 80 hours average per week maximum, so just be aware. It's something that you should find out about specific programs you are considering, but you can typically raise your salary a decent amount.
I will be 45 when I finish NS residency (if I choose that route). Have you met other newly grad neurosurgeons who are around that age and in private practice in a major city? If so, how are they doing? I love neurosurgery, but I don't know if it's worth the stress for my family, considering their desire to be in a major city on the west coast.
Also, I have a doctorate in dental medicine as well. (Which comes with the ability to estimate millimeters to the tenths, and also the ability to maintain a high level of manual dexterity while working in tight spaces with a mirror.) Will that help with matching into NS? Have you met other NS residents in their 40's?
Thanks.
A few neurosurgeons I work with are in that age group and plan to work for at least 15-20 more years, so I would say although a little late, 45 is not too late to start. It will be a significant lifestyle change for your family, so make sure that they fully understand that you will have less leisure time during your residency years. It isn't as bad as many make it out to be, as you will have usually at least one full day off per week and at least one full weekend off per month. Regarding the additional stress on your family, it's definitely important to make sure your family is on board and supportive of your decision. If they would like to stay on the west coast, then consider applying to residencies near locations they like. Happiness (and family happiness) is very important, perhaps more so than relative prestige of a residency. After residency, neurosurgery is one of several specialties that can almost always pick the area they want to live in. There are plenty of neurosurgery jobs on the west coast, many in nice suburbs of major cities like LA.
The doctorate in dental medicine may help you as it shows you are very capable and come from a unique situation. Make sure that other components of your application are also strong. I have met NS residents in their 40s, but I haven't really stayed in close contact. I'm sure they're fine though. If you love what you're doing and prioritize your family life, you'll do just fine.
To be honest, I found my passion-- NS. I couldn't see myself doing anything else.
If NS is your passion and you can't see yourself doing anything else, then by all means do NS. Make sure your family is on board, be sure of your decision, and go for it.