I'm a neurosurgeon (trainee), ask me anything!

how competitive is neurosurgery compared to other surgical fields

You're a neurosurgeon so believe me when I say that no intelligent discussion goes on in this forum -
If an EEG measured the brain signal of all the site's users and then averaged it, it would be a flat line - might be a slight bump because of me though
also how could ecolier be so mean, does he/she/it hate you? why would anyone suggest you to come onto a site that will give you a brain tumor

Plus, EEG isn't a measure of intelligence, what you say is and you are not exactly covering yourself in glory here.

Hi guys, @ecolier has recommended me to use this forum and guide aspiring neurosurgeons.

I am an ST2 in a run-through neurosurgical programme. I am a girl.

Ask me anything except
(1) where I work / am based
(2) whether you need to go to a Russell Group University (you don't!)
(2) what grades you need at GCSEs / A-Levels (it doesn't matter!)

I am busy and may well reply late / miss your replies. Quote me in and I will try to reply to all of you. I will not accept PMs or visitor messages.

@ecolier
Is this the friend you were telling me about If yes heard great things about you.Even though ecolier (resisting temptation to say his actual name)tried to persuade me to go into neurology still pretty set on neurosurgery!!Why did you want to be a neurosurgeon and have you met Henry Marsh?

If you use the use of your hands in a car accident will you use the last of your money to buy a one-way ticket to Kamar-Taj in hope of becoming Earth's next master of the mystic arts?

I don't know how I can use the use of my hands. Next question.

I didn't actually decide until later on in medical school. It was because of an inspiring neurosurgeon who taught us. He gave us lots of resources and helped with projects etc. It was the only speciality that I could realistically do! (Maybe neurology too?)

And no I haven't met Henry Marsh.

Why neurosurgery?
Have you always aimed for neurosurgery, or did you make the decision while studying medicine?
What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
Do you have any regrets about choosing neurosurgery?
If you had one piece of advice for an aspiring medic, what would it be?

If you don’t mind me asking as well, (and if you can remember!) what did you do for your application in terms in terms of volunteering/work experience/extracurriculars? What would you recommend doing for a competitive application? Also, what uni’s did you apply to, and where did you end up studying in the end?

Thanks so much in advance, I know I have a lot of questions!!

Do you know anyone who got in through GEM and do you think it's harder?

That's really cool.How do you feel about the fact that there are not many female neurosurgeons especially at consultant level-do you ever feel intimidated?