Functional Neurologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of advancing neuroscience, the focus on functional neurologists has never been more critical.

As our understanding of the human brain evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and manage conditions related to the nervous system amplifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a functional neurologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of functional neurology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable functional neurologist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Functional Neurologist Duties and Responsibilities

Functional Neurologists use their specialized knowledge of the nervous system and its functions to diagnose and treat a range of neurological conditions.

They employ a variety of diagnostic tests and treatment methods to restore or improve nervous system function.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate patients’ medical histories and symptoms
• Conduct physical and neurological examinations
• Perform or order diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CT scans, EEGs, nerve conduction studies, and spinal fluid analyses
• Interpret results of diagnostic tests to diagnose neurological conditions
• Develop individualized treatment plans that may include medication, rehabilitation therapies, lifestyle changes, or surgery
• Perform procedures such as nerve blocks, spinal taps, and botulinum toxin injections
• Monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Coordinate care with other medical professionals such as primary care physicians, physical therapists, and psychologists
• Stay current with advancements in the field of neurology and incorporate new knowledge into patient care
• Communicate with patients and their families to explain diagnoses, treatment options, potential risks, and prognosis
• Document patient information, diagnoses, and treatments in medical records

 

Functional Neurologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Functional Neurologist to join our healthcare team.

The Functional Neurologist will be responsible for diagnosing and treating patients with neurological disorders, providing non-invasive therapies, and keeping up-to-date with the latest innovations in the field.

The ideal candidate should have excellent knowledge of functional neurology practices, a patient-oriented approach, and the ability to effectively educate patients and their families about various neurological disorders and treatment plans.

 

Responsibilities

• Examine patients and assess their neurological health.
• Diagnose and treat various neurological conditions and diseases.
• Work closely with other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care.
• Employ non-invasive therapies to improve neurological function.
• Develop personalized treatment plans and monitor patient progress.
• Stay updated with the latest research and advancements in the field of functional neurology.
• Provide education to patients and their families about various neurological disorders and their treatment options.
• Ensure patient records are accurately maintained and updated.

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and a completed residency in neurology.
• Board certification in neurology.
• Experience in functional neurology practices.
• Excellent diagnostic and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassionate and patient-focused approach.
• Ability to keep up with advancements in the field of neurology.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Professional growth and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Functional Neurologist
• Work Environment: Hospital or private practice setting. Some on-call or weekend hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director or Department Head.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $200,000 minimum to $350,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Functional Neurologist Do?

Functional Neurologists are specialized healthcare practitioners who focus on the functioning of the nervous system and brain.

They work to understand, diagnose, and treat conditions related to neurology, including brain injuries, developmental disorders, cognitive impairment, and more.

Their role involves evaluating a patient’s neurological functions, which includes brain health, spinal cord, nerves, and neuromuscular actions.

They employ various diagnostic tools such as Neurological Examination, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and Electroencephalograms (EEG) to assess patients’ neurological health.

Functional Neurologists devise treatment plans that often involve brain-based therapies, rehabilitation exercises, and lifestyle changes rather than relying solely on medication.

They aim to enhance and optimize the functioning of the nervous system and improve the patient’s quality of life.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals such as neurosurgeons, physical therapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists to provide a holistic approach to patient care.

Functional Neurologists are also involved in research to understand the complexities of the nervous system better and develop more effective treatment strategies.

They may also provide education to patients, families, and the broader public about neurological conditions and their impact.

 

Functional Neurologist Qualifications and Skills

Functional Neurologists should have the qualifications and skills that align with the demands of the role, such as:

• Medical knowledge and understanding of the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves to diagnose and treat neurological disorders.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex clinical data, neuroimaging studies, and other diagnostic tests.
• Exceptional attention to detail to observe subtle signs and symptoms, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Manual dexterity to perform delicate procedures related to the nervous system.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to foster effective doctor-patient relationships, explain complex medical conditions in simple terms to patients and their families, and collaborate with other healthcare providers.
• Problem-solving skills to determine the root cause of neurological conditions and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Continual learning and research abilities to stay updated on the latest advancements in neurology and integrate them into patient care when appropriate.
• Strong ethical and professional standards to respect patient confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and make decisions in the best interest of the patient.

 

Functional Neurologist Experience Requirements

To become a Functional Neurologist, one must first complete an undergraduate degree, often in a science or health-related field.

This is followed by obtaining a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which usually involves four years of rigorous study, with the latter two years focusing on clinical experience.

After completing medical school, a one-year internship is usually required, followed by a three to seven-year residency in neurology where they gain practical experience diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system.

Some functional neurologists may also choose to complete fellowships in more specialized areas of the field, such as neuroimmunology or neuromuscular medicine, which can take an additional one to three years.

Therefore, by the time they begin practicing as functional neurologists, they typically have at least seven to twelve years of medical training and experience.

Continuing education is also crucial in this field as new research and treatments are constantly being developed.

Therefore, additional experience may be gained through conferences, seminars, and additional coursework or certifications.

Candidates with more than five years of experience in functional neurology may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position, such as becoming a department head or leading a research team.

 

Functional Neurologist Education and Training Requirements

Functional Neurologists must first complete a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field such as biology, neuroscience or pre-med.

After earning an undergraduate degree, the next step is to attend a four-year medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

Once medical school is complete, individuals will then move on to a residency program in neurology, which typically lasts around four years.

This is where they gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions under the supervision of experienced neurologists.

Functional Neurologists may then choose to specialize further by completing a fellowship in a subfield such as stroke, epilepsy, or movement disorders, which typically lasts one to three years.

Moreover, before they can practice, Functional Neurologists must be licensed in the state they wish to work in.

This generally involves passing a series of written and practical exams.

To stay updated with the latest advancements in neurology, many Functional Neurologists engage in continuous education and training throughout their career.

They may also choose to obtain board certification from organizations like the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), which can further demonstrate their expertise in the field.

 

Functional Neurologist Salary Expectations

A Functional Neurologist can expect to earn an average salary of $217,837 (USD) per year.

This income may fluctuate based on the neurologist’s experience, specific area of specialization, geographic location, and the type of healthcare facility they are working in.

 

Functional Neurologist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Functional Neurologist need?

A Functional Neurologist needs to have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.

They must complete a Neurology residency program and a fellowship in Functional Neurology.

Additionally, they must be board-certified in Neurology and licensed to practice medicine in their state.

 

What are the daily duties of a Functional Neurologist?

Functional Neurologists typically spend their day examining patients, diagnosing neurological disorders, and implementing treatment plans.

They also interpret results from diagnostic tests, conduct research, and stay updated with the latest advancements in neurology.

Additionally, they often collaborate with other healthcare providers to manage the care of their patients.

 

What qualities make a good Functional Neurologist?

A good Functional Neurologist has excellent problem-solving skills and is detail-oriented.

They should be compassionate and have good communication skills to explain complex neurological concepts to their patients.

They need to be patient, as neurological disorders often require long-term management.

Furthermore, they should have a passion for continuous learning, given the rapidly evolving nature of neuroscience.

 

What is the difference between a Neurologist and a Functional Neurologist?

While both Neurologists and Functional Neurologists treat conditions related to the nervous system, the approaches they take can differ.

Traditional Neurologists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, typically using medication or surgery.

Functional Neurologists, on the other hand, aim to optimize neurological function through lifestyle changes and rehabilitative therapies.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Functional Neurologist?

Hiring a Functional Neurologist can be challenging due to the specialized skills and extensive education required for this role.

The pool of candidates is relatively smaller compared to other medical professions.

Therefore, organizations may need to offer competitive remuneration and benefits to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

Here we are.

Today, we’ve unveiled the truths behind the role of a functional neurologist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about understanding the brain.

It’s about shaping the future of neurological health, one patient at a time.

With our handy functional neurologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop at being ready?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a piece of the larger health puzzle.

Let’s shape the future of neurological health. Together.

How to Become a Functional Neurologist (Complete Guide)

The Indestructibles: Jobs That Survive Economic Meltdowns

Workplace Whimsy: Unusual Jobs That Are Full of Surprises

Easy Earning: Jobs That Offer a Chill Work Environment

The Excitement Employers: Enjoyable Jobs That Thrill