Hey all
I am a current PGY2 and struggling to decide between neuro-critical care and stroke. I would ideally practice both but would preferably avoid doing both fellowships. My interest in stroke initially propelled me into neurology. I've realized though that stroke also often deals with a high number of functional patients which I don't enjoy as much, and being in the neuro ICU has the satisfaction of dealing with patients that are all very truly ill.
I think another pro of NCC is that you're in a shielded unit with a set patient cap, whereas in stroke you can be called by anyone at anytime anywhere, and the stroke alert system is often abused to obtain a STAT neurology consult unfortunately. Neuro ICU also takes care of lots of stroke patients anyway. I also do miss dabbling in some medicine once in awhile and critical care was my favorite rotation during my prelim year.
I think the pro's of stroke is the 1 instead of 2 year fellowship. I think doing stroke would also make me feel being closer rooted to neurology, whereas in NCC I am concerned about becoming more of intensivist than a neurologist. Dealing with NSGY whom can override your plan on occasion is also frustrating. I am also interested in NIR which I was told has a better shot going through stroke than NCC fellowship.
I have limited knowledge on the overall lifestyle and compensation between the two. I would appreciate any advice on choosing between the two. Thanks.
I am a current PGY2 and struggling to decide between neuro-critical care and stroke. I would ideally practice both but would preferably avoid doing both fellowships. My interest in stroke initially propelled me into neurology. I've realized though that stroke also often deals with a high number of functional patients which I don't enjoy as much, and being in the neuro ICU has the satisfaction of dealing with patients that are all very truly ill.
I think another pro of NCC is that you're in a shielded unit with a set patient cap, whereas in stroke you can be called by anyone at anytime anywhere, and the stroke alert system is often abused to obtain a STAT neurology consult unfortunately. Neuro ICU also takes care of lots of stroke patients anyway. I also do miss dabbling in some medicine once in awhile and critical care was my favorite rotation during my prelim year.
I think the pro's of stroke is the 1 instead of 2 year fellowship. I think doing stroke would also make me feel being closer rooted to neurology, whereas in NCC I am concerned about becoming more of intensivist than a neurologist. Dealing with NSGY whom can override your plan on occasion is also frustrating. I am also interested in NIR which I was told has a better shot going through stroke than NCC fellowship.
I have limited knowledge on the overall lifestyle and compensation between the two. I would appreciate any advice on choosing between the two. Thanks.