Expert: Connie Fowler - 8/21/2004

Question
HI!
I am doing a research paper on my career opportunities.  I want to be a neurologist.  I want to know you opinion about some things about the job.  What affect did your neurosurgeon make physically and emotionally on the medical condition?  How was the effort that they put upon your situation? Does it make you feel good that there are people like them in the career feild or do you think that the their expertise is minimal?  Do you think that a preventive medicine specialist in the US Army should aspire to be a neurologist, and should they practice as a civilian or in the military?  How did the neurosurgeons that you have encountered handle your situation?

Thanks for your help... Paper is  due 23rd of aug.  

Answer
Hi Christine,
Wow! I have been to may different Neurologist/Neurosurgeons in the past 5 years. I have seen some that are conceded and put themselves on a pedal stool and some that treat you as their brother or sister with the greatest respect.
For myself and My son we both have Chiari Malformation and our lives have circled around the Neurology field and after years of searching world wide I found the best Neurologist and Neurosurgeons are those who go into the practice to truly help those in need, the one whom will go beyond the call of duty and throw out the statement not to get close to your patients.
The fact is if you are seeing a Neurosurgeon it is not just a one-time deal or going into your family doctor for a year routine check up.
Those whom have to see a specialist like a Neuro most spend many days and hours as they try to get help for conditions that have taken control of the mind and body, that they no long have control over.
After years of searching for my son We have found a Neurosurgeon who cares for the whole situation meaning not only does she make my son feel comfortable; She goes out of her way to inform us of everything she does and answers all our questions, during surgery she is with us before our son goes in and back out to talk we us when she is done. Most important her honest and dedication to us as a family.
You asked: a preventive medicine specialist in the US Army should aspire to be a neurologist, and should they practice as a civilian or in the military?
I think this is up to the individual what do they want as a career and the best thing for there future life style.
To better understand what our family went through from our experience with the first Neurosurgeon to the wonderful doctor we have now I will provide you a link to our web site and you con read our sons story.
Good luck on your paper, Best Regard, Mrs Fowler
http://icanlearn.homestead.com/Anthonystory.html