%0 Journal Article
%T Carving a Path to the Brain: A Study on Neurosurgery Career Choices.
%A Ahmed A
%A Waheed A
%A Yaqoob E
%A Jabeen R
%A Chaurasia B
%A Javed S
%J World Neurosurg
%V 188
%N 0
%D 2024 Aug 27
%M 38810869
%F 2.21
%R 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.05.126
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Medical students often face challenges in choosing a career path due to limited exposure to specialized fields like neurosurgery. Understanding their perceptions and experiences is crucial in addressing the gaps in neurosurgical education and inspiring future neurosurgeons.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 461 medical students, utilizing convenience sampling. Data collection employed a validated, self-administered tool. Statistical analysis in SPSS Version 25 included t-tests and chi-square tests, comparing scores based on age, gender, year of study, and exposure to the formal neurosurgical rotations in their institute. Significance value was set at P < 0.05.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>In the study of 461 medical students, 79.8% identified with the 19-23 age group, and 63.8% affirmed neurosurgery exposure. Medical students' perceptions included: 167 (36.3%) students found neurosurgery teaching sufficient; 164 (35.6%) disagreed that obtaining neurosurgical history is difficult; 224 (48.6%) agreed on neurosurgical disease complexity; and 250 (54.2%) found these diseases challenging and interesting. A majority of 183 (39.7%) respondents agreed that neurosurgical diseases had poor outcomes. Regarding training for neurosurgical surgery, 205 (44.5%) participants strongly agreed on its length, and 215 (46.7%) consented to extensive operating hours. However, 167 (36.3%) strongly disagreed about the ample job prospects in Pakistan.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Enhancing neurosurgery education with quality, consistency, and adaptability is essential to bridge gaps and inspire future neurosurgeons. These findings guide improvements in educational programs, preparing a skilled workforce to meet evolving health-care demands.