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Actually, Neurosurgery is almost exclusively a categorical match - in other words, you don't have to apply for a separate general surgery internship position. And most programs are 7 years total. The post-grad year 1 (PGY-1) or "intern" year will include general surgery rotations, but typically also have months designed to prepare the resident for being a dedicated neurosurgery resident the following year - ie months spent on Neurology or neuroradiology rotations.
There are a few 6 year programs integrated programs, but the caveat to all surgical specialties is that the more times you've done a procedure, the better your skill set. It's not one of those things where you want to rush the process.
It's also not uncommon for those planning on going into fellowship (for things like microvascular or neurocritical care or pediatric or spine sub-specialties) to take a year or 2 off for research activities as a way to bolster their applications for fellowship. So it may end up being a total of 14 or 15 years after graduating college by the time you're an independently operating neurosurgeon.
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