What Is Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery or neurological surgery, known in common parlance as brain surgery, is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders .
Entry Requirements To Study Neurosurgery In South Africa
Before you train as a surgeon you must complete a degree in medicine and have obtained a MBBS or equivalent qualification. Find out more information about getting into medical school.
You then need to complete a two-year foundation programme. After successfully completing your first year of foundation training you become eligible for registration as a doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC). Foundation training includes undertaking rotations in a range of specialties including surgery.
To find information about the Foundation Programme, visit our applying for foundation training page.
After completing your foundation training you need to undertake specialty training as in the training and development page.
Skills and interests
Neurosurgery is a technically demanding surgical specialty. You’ll need a special blend of skills and personal qualities which include:
a high degree of manual dexterity
good hand-eye co-ordination, excellent vision and visuo-spatial awareness
a blend of confidence and caution
good organisational ability and excellent communication skills
physical stamina to cope with long hours and demanding nature of the work
emotional strength in order to manage very sick patients
the ability to lead and manage a team effectively
able to embrace change and constantly developing technologies
a strong interest in anatomy and physiology
Schools Offering Neurosurgery In South Africa
University of Cape Town
University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of Stellenbosch
University of the Witwatersrand
University of Pretoria
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
What subjects are needed to become a neurosurgeon in South Africa?
Pre-requisite medical courses should include microbiology, biochemistry and human anatomy. The objective of your undergraduate degree is to prepare you for medical school, which is the next step.
Where can I study to be a neurosurgeon in South Africa?
the Stellenbosch University
The vision of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), which offers the Neurosurgery programme at the Stellenbosch University, is to promote health and equality in South Africa and beyond.
How long does it take to study neurosurgery in South Africa?
The study of the major subject extends over four or five years, as prescribed by the department in question.
How many black neurosurgeons are in South Africa?
Currently South Africa has only five Black African neurosurgeons and it is believed more black females will be inspired to reach the ceilings of their dreams through Shezi’s accomplishment.
Who is the best neurosurgeon in South Africa?
Neurosurgery
Dr Du Plessis Jacques Dr Du Plessis Jacques.
Marx Jh Inc Marx Jh Inc.
Dr Van Den Heever Mauritz Dr Van Den Heever Mauritz.
Dr Oluseun Labeodan Dr Oluseun Labeodan.
S Makarawo. .
Dr Jw Earle Dr Jw Earle.
Dr Okoli B Dr Okoli B.
Dr E Branca Dr E Branca.
How many neurosurgeons are in South Africa?
65 neurosurgeons
The distribution of these neurosurgeons shows a striking regional disparity: North Africa has 354 neurosurgeons for 119 million inhabitants; that is, one neurosurgeon for 338,000 inhabitants; and South Africa has 65 neurosurgeons for 40 million inhabitants; that is, one neurosurgeon for 620,000 inhabitants.
How many female neurosurgeons are there in South Africa?
243 African women neurosurgeons
But getting where she is today was not easy. Indeed, neurosurgery has historically been a male-dominated field, with gender disparities still persisting today. According to research published in the Journal of Neurosurgery, there are only 243 African women neurosurgeons on the continent.
How many hours do neurosurgeons work in South Africa?
Their average week is approximately 40 hours. If you go into this career and would like to maintain consistent hours, then opening up a private practice or working in a research or medical school may be better for you.