Is It Possible to Work as a Neuroscientist and Neuropsychologist Simultaneously?

The simple answer is no—simply because the paths to becoming a neurologist and a neuropsychologist are each extremely demanding and require dedicated time and resources. However, exploring the feasibility of these roles simultaneously provides important insights into the rigorous requirements of each field.

What Does a Neurologist Do?

A neurologist is a medical doctor specialized in neurology. To become a neurologist, one must first complete an undergraduate degree, apply to and be admitted to medical school. After graduation, they must excel in medical school, completing rigorous residencies and fellowships to achieve the necessary licenses to practice. The sheer intensity and time commitment of this path leave very little room for pursuing another specific discipline like neuropsychology.

What Does a Neuropsychologist Do?

A neuropsychologist is a clinical psychologist who specializes in neuropsychology. The journey to becoming a neuropsychologist begins with applying to a doctoral program in clinical psychology after completing an undergraduate degree. Once in the program, they must focus on neuroscience research from day one. They then need to complete extensive clinical requirements, preferably in neuropsychologically oriented settings, to secure a competitive APA internship in neuropsychology. The dissertation should align with neuropsychological themes, and graduates typically spend about 10 years between doctoral studies and postdoc fellowships before achieving licensure. The process is a long and demanding one, making it practically unfeasible to enter medical school and pursue both simultaneously.

Why Isn't it Feasible?

The demands of medical school and neurology are so intense that they require all of the applicant's focus and energy. Simply jumping through the countless hurdles designed for medical students makes it nearly impossible to also pursue the lengthy and specialized path of a neuropsychologist within the same time frame. The very nature of these fields demands an all-encompassing dedication to learning and practice.

Yet, There is Hope

While the dual pursuit of becoming both a neurologist and a neuropsychologist is seen as impossible, there are practical solutions for individuals who are interested in both fields. Continued education in both disciplines allows for overlapping knowledge and skill development. For instance, topics such as the treatment and assessment of dementias can benefit both neurologists and neuropsychologists, providing a practical and valuable educational path.

Both professions are vertically integrated, and earning additional educational credits in each can often meet requirements for multiple licensing boards. This approach not only bridges the gap but also ensures that the individual can remain enthusiastic about both fields without being overwhelmed by one over the other.

Conclusion

The path to becoming a neurologist or a neuropsychologist is challenging, but even more so when attempting to combine both. While the simultaneous pursuit of both careers is practically infeasible, continued education provides a viable and practical solution for those with dual interests in these fields. By aligning their studies and professional development to overlap and complement each other, individuals can achieve success in both areas without the overwhelming demands of starting over in another field.