Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Why brain?

People may ask, why the brain? Why would a person choose this field to boost their medical career? Is it because of the money? Is it because of the fame?



NO! The brain is interesting! From the first encounter in medical field as a student, among all the system studied, we find neurology the most interesting. Aren't you guys amazed by the beauty and dictatorship of the brain which is immuno-privileged in nature and has the power to take control (either involuntary or voluntary)of the rest of your body??? Clearly, nothing can compare to the power of the brain, even 
cold- hearted zombies want a handful of it.

We made up my mind that we wanna become a neurologist expert  in the field of epilepsy. One of us can still remember the space and time when he was a young boy, Zam Zam, his best friend fell down in class right in front of me. His mouth was full of foams and his veins stiffen. He was terrified and had sympathy on him but back then there was nothing that he could do about. He cried.

Tears of incapability flowed through both of my lacrimal glands. From that day 
onward something changed in him, HE WANT TO HELP HIS FRIEND. As on this day, the feeling still haunts him, even though he was long gone. He swore in the name of Zam Zam and his pitiful family members that he will become a neurologist specialize in epilepsy, thriving to rid the fits and casting out the devils inside of them.

Well, that's the introduction, here's some interesting fun facts about neurology, hope you  bloggers enjoy it!


Qualification of Advanced Master in Neurology in Malaysian University

Clinical and laboratory attachment:
Foreign candidates are required to undergo clinical or laboratory attachment of three to six months at the School of Medical Sciences. Their performance will be assessed by Head of Department prior to being formally admitted to the Master of Medicine program.

Surely you guys need to know the structures of this particular program.

Phase I - The fundamental of adults or pediatrics neurological sciences.
Phase II- Various sub-specialties training will be conducted in rotation during this phase. In the second year  of this phase, each and every candidate will be placed by as a 'Consultant-in-Training' and be expected to function independently in resource and patient management. These candidates are encouraged to carry out case studies to understand the general processes of diseases and gain experience in research principles and methodologies. Candidates are also required to submit a write up based on a research project conducted in this course.

Interested?? Well, here are the requirements for the applicants.

The applicants (could be you) must possess the following:

  • A MBBS/MD/MBChB degree from a recognized university and be registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and any other recognized internal medicine or pediatrics specialist qualifications.
  • Minimum 1 year experience after graduation with an internal medicine or pediatric degree, either in recognized hospitals or other institutions. 
  • Malaysia applicants are also required to attend a pretest or interview before the final selection.
  • In good mental and physical condition.
Language requirements (Applicable for International Applicants only):
  • A minimum score of 550 in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • A minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • Results  must be attached with the application form.
Duration for this program:
  • Full time : Minimum 8 semesters, maximum 14 semesters.

Nature of the work

Neurology is a specialty involved in the diagnosis and management of the diseases of the nervous system, and also caring for the patients who suffer from them.

Working in Neurology

Neurologists spend most of their clinical time in outpatients,where they will see new patients with a wide range of neurological problems. In many cases, the diagnosis can be arrived at on the basis of clinical assessment alone, though in others there may be a need for further investigations. The patients are followed up either to clarify the diagnosis alternatively to manage longer time problems. Most frequently, follow-ups are for patients with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and related conditions.

The process of diagnosis is becoming even more sophisticated, with improved imaging and other types of tests, including genetic testing. Available treatment are broadening too, with improvements in existing therapy,  as well as new treatment such as those to modify the disease in multiple sclerosis.

Neurologists are also manage patients with neurological disease as inpatients, and will often see patients admitted to hospital through the general medical care. They are becoming more frequent involved in acute neurology which are the patients with neurological disorders who present to district general hospitals. 

Common procedures or interventions
 
Neurologists undertake a few procedures, including muscle biopsies or nerve biopsies. Also, some run botulinm toxin clinics for treatment of patients with dystonia.

Associated sub-specialties 

The nervous system is very complicated and there are wide range of different conditions affecting it. As a result, neurologists often developed sub-specialty interest where they can have a greater degree of expertise in one are of neurology. Common areas of expertise would be epilepsy, stroke and cerebrovascular medicine, multiple sclerosis and movement disorders. Many neurologists will have undertaken a period of research during their training, developing a sub-specialty expertise which they will continue to develop through their clinical practice.

Organizations Related to Neuroscience
  • Malaysian Society of Neuroscience
This society was found in 1989 as a non-profit organization geared to disseminating the knowledge of neurosciences among the professionals and public. The members come from varied disciplines related to the neurosciences namely neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-pediatricians, neuro-pathologists, neuro-anatomists, neuro-pharmacologists, neuro-biochemists, and neuro-psychologists. There are also sizable number of medical laboratory technologists and nurses from the various neuro-disciplines who are the associated members.

Purpose of Malaysian Society of Neurosciences in Malaysia aims to gather all professionals and allied health professionals in related fields to encourage activities promoting greater interest in ever-widening field of neurosciences. This society hopes to attract new members in a continuous wave that seeks to inject eternal enthusiasm and bring about constructive and meaningful of development of this very special branch of science. By working together, this society will strengthen existing relationships while building new networks not just locally but also regionally and internationally. This particular society also aims to provide a forum whereat the public may be updated on important neurological issues. 

Among other things, the society is strongly committed towards teaching and credentialing of young specialists. This society also formed sub-specialty councils to focus and develop their areas of specialty. At present, Malaysian Society of Neuroscience have an Epilepsy Sub-Specialty Council, a Stroke Sub-Specialty Council and a Chapter of Child Neurology and Developmental Pediatrics. New sub-specialty councils will be establish as and when necessary.

Here we include some of foreign organization just for you blogger's sake.

Epilepsy Foundation of America is the national voluntary agency dedicated solely to the welfare of the almost 3 million people with epilepsy in U.S and their families. The organization works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences, to improve how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society, and to promote research for a cure. 

Conclusion

We really hope that these brief facts about neurosciences spiced up the interest in you. Personally, we find it somewhat intriguing, besides, Zam Zam needs one of members, he will always stay in his heart. Neurology is seek one of the most mysterious and powerful organ that God has given to us, the ability to think the curiosity to search, the conscience to seek the truth and of course, to escape the brain hungry zombies. 

Hope it's clear to you, Brainz...