Neurology Recap

Pros:
- Diseases like stroke can be solved in a very systematic manner.  Figuring out where to localize the lesion is almost like putting a puzzle together, and the process of doing so can be a lot of fun.
- A lot of cutting-edge research is being done in the field, such as alternatives to tPA therapy for ischemic stroke, better abortive therapy for migraine headaches, and preventative therapy for multiple sclerosis with less side effects.
- Everyone I met in Neurology is very passionate about teaching, which is something with which I can identify.  Three cheers for academia!

Cons:
- Many neurological diseases have no cure, especially the degenerative ones such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), myasthenia gravis, and Parkinson's disease.  It can be emotionally tolling to see your patients worsen with each clinical visit and to hope for maintenance as opposed to improvement.
- The inpatient days are extremely variable.  We would have days when we were absolutely swamped with new admissions and other days when we would literally have nothing to do after completing rounds.  There is little consistency in workload each day.
- Pretty much everyone goes on to do a fellowship.  That's another two years of training on top of the four you are required to do for your residency.  That's... a lot of learning.

Best Neurology pun I came up with:
Pain in the nerve root?  That's just radiculous!

Next up: surgical subspecialties.  Prayers are appreciated.