Neurologists

Neurologists should have excellent clinical skills as well as experience in general neurology and inpatient hospital settings.

In addition, they should have some background in conducting electromyograms (EMGs) and electroencephalographies (EEGs). Neurologists in specialized clinics must be knowledgeable in the particular practice area. For example, a neurologist at a headache center should be familiar with headache pain and migraines, while a neurologist at a sleep center should have experience in evaluating and treating apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy.

In any setting, though, neurologists should possess research experience and exhibit interest in helping develop ways to provide and maintain the proper care for their patients. Because they treat patients who may have suffered injuries to the head, neurologists need to have a calm and soothing presence with patients who may be experiencing alternating emotions, including confusion and anger. In addition to compassion, neurologists need to be capable of sifting through a lot of data for specific details.