A neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system including congenital anomalies, trauma, tumors, vascular disorders, infections of the brain or spine, stroke, or degenerative diseases of the spine. The education and training to become a neurosurgeon is rigorous and extensive and includes the completion of:Four years of pre-medical education at a college or universityFour years of medical school resulting in an M.D. or D.O. degreeOne year internship in general surgeryFive to seven years in a neurosurgery residency programSome neurosurgeons complete a fellowship after residency to specialize in a particular areaContinuing education — annual meetings, conferences, scientific journals, research — to keep up with advances made in the complex field of neurosurgery