Becoming a general surgeon takes time, effort, and dedication. A person must be committed to the process because medical school and the subsequent training are difficult. However, the rewards are immense. What should anyone thinking of embarking on this journey know before doing so?
Educational Requirements
Individuals looking to pursue a career as a general surgeon may begin by looking at general surgeon positions available to see if this field might interest them. Doing so will give them general information about the surgeon’s duties, pay, and benefits. After reading job listings, they need to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field if they still wish to continue on this path. This degree is a prerequisite for medical school. Most schools require students to have a high GPA and letters of recommendation. They also need a competitive Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score.
Upon entering medical school, the student spends two years learning basic sciences. The following two years are spent participating in clinical rotations. These rotations allow students to explore different specialties before choosing one. Upon completion of the rotations, the student participates in a residency program in general surgery. This residency lasts five to seven years, giving them ample time to extensively train in surgical procedures, handling complications, and caring for patients.
Surgical Residency Programs
Surgical residency programs are demanding. Students participate in clinical training and assist with surgical procedures. They also carry out research as part of this training, which allows them to develop the skills needed to be successful in this career. Many surgical residents work 80 hours a week or more. They may also be on-call when they aren’t on the schedule. While this schedule might seem excessive, it prepares the student for the high pressure of surgical work. Students must be able to handle the demands of general surgery. Only a tiny percentage of applicants are admitted to surgical residency programs yearly. Of those accepted, not all make it through to the end.
Why General Surgery?
General surgeons might choose to handle a range of surgical procedures, or they can select a subspecialty. Specializing allows them to become experts in the field chosen and secure higher compensation. Before working in the field, however, the student must pass the American Board of Surgery (ABS) exam. When they successfully pass this exam, they become board-certified. This exam is difficult and will require hours spent reviewing and studying the material. Nevertheless, pursuing board certification is essential for moving forward in the field, as it shows the individual is committed to working there.
Securing a Job as a General Surgeon
People might not remember how they looked at job listings before pursuing their desire to become general surgeons. Those who remember doing so are often surprised to see what has changed in the years they spent pursuing this objective. To find the perfect job, general surgeons must maintain their ongoing education and training while building a support network. At the same time, they need to find the right work-life balance, as surgery is a demanding field that can quickly lead to burnout and personal issues.
While this process is long and challenging, every moment is worth it. The rewards of a career as a general surgeon are immense. The surgeon changes peoples’ lives for the better every day, and there is no more incredible feeling than that.