Surgeons
Surgeons are physicians who specialize in the treatment of injury, disease,
and deformity through operations. Using a variety of instruments, and with
patients under general or local anesthesia, a surgeon corrects physical
deformities, repairs bone and tissue after injuries, or performs preventive
surgeries on patients with debilitating diseases or disorders. Although a
large number perform general surgery, many surgeons choose to specialize in a
specific treatment area. Specialties include orthopedic surgery, neurological
surgery, otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat), and plastic or reconstructive
surgery. Like primary care physicians, surgeons also examine patients, perform
and interpret diagnostic tests, and counsel patients on preventive health care.
There are two types of physicians: M.D. Doctor of Medicine and D.O. Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine. A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine place special emphasis on preventative medicine and
holistic medicine.
Working Conditions: Surgeons and anesthesiologists typically
work in well-lighted sterile environments while performing surgery and often
stand for long periods. Most work in hospitals or in surgical outpatient
centers. Many work long, irregular hours. Over one-third of all full time
surgeons worked 60 hours or more in a week in 2004. Surgeons must travel
frequently between their office and hospital to care for their patients.
Those who are on call deal with many patients' concerns over the phone and may
make emergency visits to hospitals or nursing homes.
Education: Formal education is among the most demanding of any
occupation with 4 years of undergraduate work, 4 years of medical school and 3-8
years of internship and residency, depending on the specialty selected.
There are 146 medical schools in the United States. Acceptance is highly
competitive. Following medical school, the surgeon enters a residency that takes
the form of a paid on-the-job training. After graduation, the surgeon must
pass a licensing examination. 14.6% of all physicians are surgeons.
Requirements: People who wish to become physicians must have a desire
to serve patients, be self-motivated, and be able to survive the pressures and
long hours of medical education and practice. Physicians must also have good
bedside manner, emotional stability, and the ability to make decisions in
emergencies.
Job outlook: The growing and aging population will drive overall
growth in the demand for surgeons.
Continuing Education: Advances in medicine, new medications, new
technology requires continuous ongoing learning. Increases in the utilization of
robotics and endoscopic surgical procedures requires specialized training as new
techniques are employed.
Earnings: Total salary ranges from $228,839 to $282,504 per year
for a general surgeon. Source: Medical Group Management Association
Physician Compensation and Production Report 2005.
For More Information: Association of American Medical Colleges at
http://www.ama-assn.org. American
Osteopathic Association at
http://www.osteopathic.org. American College of Surgeons at
http://www.facs.org.
Surgical Stepping Stones to a career.
Dr. Reed Finney talks about being a SurgicalTechnologist.
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