Surgeon
A surgeon is a medical professional who specializes in performing operations to treat various health issues, including injuries, tumors, and diseases. Typically, surgeons focus on specific areas such as brain, pediatric, or cosmetic surgery, and they are trained to assess patients' medical histories and test results to determine the most appropriate surgical procedures. Their work environment is primarily in hospitals or surgical centers, where they operate in sterile conditions, often under high-pressure situations and irregular hours.
Surgeons undergo extensive education, requiring a doctoral degree, completion of medical school, and significant residency training, which can last several years. They are expected to possess strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with patients and their families. In addition to performing surgeries, surgeons are involved in patient evaluations, diagnostics, and may also engage in research to advance surgical techniques and improve patient outcomes. This profession is characterized by a commitment to empathy and making a difference in patients' lives, making the role both demanding and rewarding.
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Subject Terms
Surgeon
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Medicine, science, solving problems, analyzing information, detailed work, communicating with others
Earnings: $239,200 per year $115.00 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 2% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education: Doctoral; internship, residency, subspecialization
Related Work Experience: None
On-the-job-Training: Internship/residency
Overview
Sphere of Work. Surgeons treat a variety of ailments, including injuries, cancerous tumors, and diseases, using invasive methods. They operate on patients using an assortment of surgical instruments and methods. Most surgeons specialize in a specific field, such as brain surgery, pediatric surgery, or cosmetic surgery. Like others in the medical profession, surgeons examine patients, perform specific tests, and counsel patients on medical issues. They look at patients’ medical histories and test results to determine the best surgical procedures to use.
Work Environment. Most surgeons work out of medical facilities, especially hospitals, where they are assisted by nurses and other personnel. The work environment is usually well-lit and sterile. While performing an operation, a surgeon typically stands for a long period of time. Many surgeons work irregular hours and often work more than forty hours per week. Travel is a frequent part of a surgeon’s career as well, and most spend several hours each week moving between offices and hospitals. Surgeons, at times, work on call and must be able to travel quickly to a hospital if there is an emergency.
Occupation Interest. Like most medical professionals, surgeons must undergo extensive education and training. They are empathetic and believe in making a difference in the lives of others. Surgeons must be very understanding of their patients’ needs and strive to educate them as best they can. Since a surgeon’s work requires precision and accuracy, the profession calls for great attention to detail.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The primary duty of a surgeon is to perform operations on patients. In addition to the actual act of surgery, surgeons also examine patients and their medical histories, make diagnoses, and perform specialized tests. Depending on the specialization of the surgeon, the day-to-day activities can vary.
When a surgeon first meets a patient, they will analyze the patient’s medical history, physical condition, allergies, and other physical aspects. Based on the examination and the patient’s symptoms, the surgeon may call for further tests to be administered. Once the surgeon has determined the best surgical method to use, they will thoroughly explain what the procedure entails, its risks, and what the recovery will be like. Making the patient feel comfortable is an important aspect of the surgeon’s job.
During the operation, nurses, anesthesiologists, residents, and other specialists aid the surgeon, who directs and manages those assisting. Surgical instruments and tools must be checked for sterility. In addition to a variety of small surgical instruments, modern surgeons use miniature cameras and powered tools.
Surgeons also conduct research concerning surgical techniques and instruments that can help improve operating procedures and results. Many surgeons publish their research findings in medical journals and attend related conferences.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Surgeons work in various medical facilities, such as hospitals and surgical outpatient centers, as well as their own offices. Travel between hospitals and offices is common.
Human Environment. Surgeons work alongside a variety of other individuals in the medical profession, including physicians, nurses, and specialists. They work closely with their patients as well as with patients’ families. The nature of their work requires them to make frequent physical contact with patients.
Technological Environment. Surgeons use a wide range of specially designed instruments and tools, including scalpels, retractors that open tissue, clamps for blood vessels, tubes and needles for injecting fluids, fiber-optic endoscopes, and different measuring devices. They may also use tools such as drills and dermatomes. Surgeons also use computer and Internet technology, as well as smartphones and tablets.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. The education and training requirements for surgeons are highly demanding. A high school diploma is required to move on to the postsecondary education and training required of surgeons. High schools offer an assortment of basic and advanced courses that would be beneficial to a student interested in becoming a surgeon, including anatomy, biology, and chemistry.
Postsecondary. Eight years of formal education are required for surgeons to complete their schooling. This typically consists of four years of undergraduate studies and four years of medical school. Further education may be necessary, depending on the surgeon’s specialty. An undergraduate studying to be a surgeon should complete courses in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Learning to communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, is crucial, so students should also take English and humanities courses. Students can volunteer at hospitals or outpatient clinics in order to gain experience and work alongside professionals.
To continue on to medical school, a student must typically hold a bachelor’s or more advanced degree. Applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and sometimes essays detailing why they believe they should be selected. An interview with an admissions board is often required. Students must also successfully complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Medical schools are very competitive, so students should be sure to excel in their undergraduate studies and MCAT. Some medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that can last six to seven years.
The first two years of medical school are typically spent in a formal classroom and laboratory, where students are instructed in anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, medical ethics, and a variety of related topics. Students acquire practical knowledge and skills, including how to record a patient’s medical history, examine patients, and make diagnoses. The last two years are spent working with patients in hospitals or clinics, where students learn about the procedures and techniques involved in surgery under the guidance of experienced professionals. After medical school, surgeons enter a rotating residency in which they acquire hands-on training in a hospital. Residencies can last anywhere from two to eight years.
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Bibliography
“Physicians and Surgeons.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.