The Neurosurgeon

Duties and responsibilities: neurosurgeons perform surgery on the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves to remove tumors, relieve chronic pain and treat wounds, vascular disorders and diseases such as Parkinson's and epilepsy. They also use surgery to relieve hydrocephalus, the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Brain surgeons may focus on the correction of deformities and treatment of diseases of the spinal cord such as degenerative spine disorder and scoliosis. Other areas of sub-specialization include pediatric neurosurgery and radiosurgery, the targeted use of radiation to treat tumors.

Salary: 395,000

Education: The process to become a neurosurgeon can take 14 years or longer. The steps in the progression include four years of studying as an undergraduate and earning a bachelor's degree. Next, prospective neurosurgeons will need to apply to and get accepted into medical school which will take another four years. The last portion of the process is a six year residency program.

Demand for this profession:  the job outlook is just described as very good.