Medical practice can be generally categorized based on different phases in the healthcare cycle—testing, diagnosis, identification of treatment methods and the actual treatment itself. In this phase, physicians may choose to treat the patient with medication and/or surgery.
Surgery is usually the last option prescribed for treatment, when other methods of treatment have failed or when the disease or illness has reached a final, critical stage where other options are ruled out. Among the medical fraternity, surgeons are considered to be the elite because of the risks and efforts involved in doing surgery. Most operations are of an invasive nature and involve cutting out diseased parts, replacing damaged organs or other critical procedures without harming the patient any further. Surgery requires dexterity, a cool and confident attitude (some arrogance, even) and an incisive and methodical approach to work.
Becoming a surgeon involves a lot of studying, training and practice before carrying out actual surgical operations, not to mention the high degree of specialization that is required. The “one-surgeon-fits-all” concept does not work here. You can be a general surgeon but the requirements for that medical profession will vary from the requirements for an orthopedic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, and so on.
Of course, the first step is to begin by enrolling in an accredited medical career training program. Many of these programs are now offered online, and can give you an excellent educational base.
Job Description
A surgeon’s tasks include, but are not limited to the following.
- Assess the mental and physical condition of the patient to find out whether surgery is a beneficial option for treatment.
- Be thoroughly familiar with the patient’s medical history, including any information which impacts the upcoming surgical procedure, such as allergies, current medication and other treatments the patient is undergoing, etc.
- Put together a competent and experienced team of professionals to assist during the surgery—nurses, anesthesiologists, etc.
- Ensure that the operating room or suite is properly prepared and equipped before the surgery; all equipment and material that will be used in the surgery should be checked and make sure there is a sufficient supply of bandages, cotton, sutures and other consumables; ensure that electronic and automatic machines are functioning properly, and so on.
- Explain the benefits and risks of undergoing surgery to the patient and his or her family, and get the necessary approvals and liability waivers signed-off.
- Update patient records post-surgery and list the process to be followed to ensure that the patient recovers as soon as possible.
Education and Training
The road to becoming a surgeon is a long one! Here is the medical training required to get surgeon jobs.
- Complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline, but preferably in any of the physical sciences, technology or healthcare to get a basic foundation.
- Complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) with good scores.
- Enroll in an accredited medical school or college for a four-year Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program. School or college accreditations are managed by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) respectively.
- The first two years of medical school consists of classroom and practical (lab) work across a variety of subjects; the next two years consist of a rotation through various areas of clinical practice and patient care, supervised by a practicing physician.
- After medical school, candidates will be required to complete a residency lasting 2–8 years depending upon the specialization area.
- Before beginning an active practice, you will be required to obtain a license from the medical board of the state in which you will be employed. To become eligible for a license, you are required to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
- Specialty certification across several branches of surgery such as cardiac, orthopedic, oncology, vascular, neurological, etc., will have additional qualifying criteria set by the respective medical boards. The certification process is managed by member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) and the AOA.
Income and Career Prospects
Surgeons are among the highest-paid group of medical professionals with an average income of $200,000 a year in general surgery, going up to $400,000 or more for specialist surgeons. You can choose to work as a salaried employee in healthcare facilities or run your own practice as a self-employed healthcare professional.