Career Exploration
By: Samprit Karra
Surgeon
What do they do?
A surgeon spends most of his or her time either planning for or executing surgeries- medical procedures that involve cutting into patients to repair and diagnose internal problems. Surgeons typically start out practicing general surgery but may choose to specialize still further — focusing only on brains, hearts, or pediatrics, for instance. Their day-to-day life tends to vary based on practice area and setting, but usually involves a combination of patient interaction, research, and actual surgical performance.
Why am I showing interest?
I am showing interest because it is a highly paid profession, and I get to help more people, but with less frequency than with a physician. Surgeons have very difficult tasks, but interesting tasks. When they open a body to provide a solution for an internal problem, they have to very cautiously go inside and get the issue out. Although the pressure is great, I still have it as a choice of my career.
Education
- Before entering medical school, aspiring surgeons must complete undergraduate school to earn bachelor's degrees (4 years)
- Curriculum should focus heavily on the physical sciences to prepare students for the strong emphasis on science in medical school, such as biology
- With bachelor's degrees, students are supposed to be prepared to attend medical school and pursue Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees. M.D. degree program curricula are usually divided into two years of foundational medical courses followed by two years of clinical clerkships (4 years)
- After medical school, students typically continue their medical training in residency programs, gaining practical experience in a chosen specialty under the supervision of licensed physicians. (3-8 years)
Earnings
- $433,088 is the median amount earned by a surgeon in the United States
- Specialization in a certain kind of surgery will determine the salary received
- The immense salary makes surgeons a much pursued after occupation
Job Skills, Talents
- It is important to have a concern for the people around you
- Have to be willing to do public service
- Surgical shadowing by observing licensed surgeons at work and volunteering at hospitals
- I am suited for this career because I care about the well-being of people, and I desire to make positive changes to the peers around me
- I am a very hands-on person that is very touchy
- I think I would prosper as a surgeon because of my ability to do basic dissections
Employment
- Job prospects should be good for physicians who are willing to practice in rural and low-income areas, because these areas tend to have difficulty attracting physicians
- The growing and aging population is expected to drive overall growth in the demand for surgical services as consumers continue to seek high levels of care that uses the latest technologies, diagnostic tests, and therapies
- Most medical schools are increasing their enrollments on the basis of a perceived higher demand for surgeons
- This particular field is expected to grow significantly over the coming years
A Day in the Life - Surgeon
Aptitude
- I strongly believe I will be suitable with this profession mainly because I love helping people and I can do "hands-on"
- I have always been very good at doing basic dissections
- I have an interest for this certain job because of the active participation it requires, and the feeling of respect surgeons receive after completing a successful surgery