Surgeon
Save
Surgeons are medical doctors who are responsible for performing operations on patients. They must have a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology, as well as the ability to make quick decisions in high-stress situations. Surgeons may specialize in a particular area, such as orthopedics, cardiology, or plastic surgery, or they may work as general surgeons who perform a variety of procedures. While becoming a surgeon requires a long and difficult educational path, it can also be a highly rewarding career path.
Education and Training
The first step to becoming a surgeon is to earn a bachelor's degree. Students interested in pursuing a career in surgery should major in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. After completing a bachelor's degree, students must attend medical school. Medical school is a four-year program that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to practice medicine.
After graduating from medical school, surgeons must complete a residency program. Residency programs are typically five to seven years long and provide surgeons with on-the-job training in a specific area of surgery. During residency, surgeons rotate through different departments, such as general surgery, trauma surgery, and surgical oncology. They also perform operations under the supervision of experienced surgeons.
Read more
Surgeons are medical doctors who are responsible for performing operations on patients. They must have a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology, as well as the ability to make quick decisions in high-stress situations. Surgeons may specialize in a particular area, such as orthopedics, cardiology, or plastic surgery, or they may work as general surgeons who perform a variety of procedures. While becoming a surgeon requires a long and difficult educational path, it can also be a highly rewarding career path.
Education and Training
The first step to becoming a surgeon is to earn a bachelor's degree. Students interested in pursuing a career in surgery should major in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. After completing a bachelor's degree, students must attend medical school. Medical school is a four-year program that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to practice medicine.
After graduating from medical school, surgeons must complete a residency program. Residency programs are typically five to seven years long and provide surgeons with on-the-job training in a specific area of surgery. During residency, surgeons rotate through different departments, such as general surgery, trauma surgery, and surgical oncology. They also perform operations under the supervision of experienced surgeons.
Surgeons are medical doctors who are responsible for performing operations on patients. They must have a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology, as well as the ability to make quick decisions in high-stress situations. Surgeons may specialize in a particular area, such as orthopedics, cardiology, or plastic surgery, or they may work as general surgeons who perform a variety of procedures. While becoming a surgeon requires a long and difficult educational path, it can also be a highly rewarding career path.
Education and Training
The first step to becoming a surgeon is to earn a bachelor's degree. Students interested in pursuing a career in surgery should major in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. After completing a bachelor's degree, students must attend medical school. Medical school is a four-year program that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to practice medicine.
After graduating from medical school, surgeons must complete a residency program. Residency programs are typically five to seven years long and provide surgeons with on-the-job training in a specific area of surgery. During residency, surgeons rotate through different departments, such as general surgery, trauma surgery, and surgical oncology. They also perform operations under the supervision of experienced surgeons.
Skills and Qualities
Surgeons need a strong foundation in science and math, as well as excellent problem-solving skills. They must also be able to work well under pressure and be able to make quick decisions. Interpersonal skills are also important, as surgeons must be able to communicate effectively with patients and other medical professionals.
In addition to the skills and qualities listed above, surgeons must also be able to:
- Comprehend complex medical information
- Interpret medical images
- Operate surgical equipment
- Manage a team of medical professionals
- Stay up-to-date on the latest medical research
Career Outlook
The job outlook for surgeons is expected to be good over the next few years. As the population ages, the demand for surgical procedures is expected to increase. Surgeons who specialize in areas such as orthopedics, cardiology, and plastic surgery are expected to be in particularly high demand.
Career Advancement
Surgeons can advance their careers by becoming board certified in their specialty. Board certification is a voluntary certification that demonstrates a surgeon's knowledge and skills in a particular area of surgery. Surgeons can also advance their careers by becoming involved in research or teaching.
Challenges
The job of a surgeon can be challenging. Surgeons must be able to work long hours and be on call at all times. They must also be able to deal with the stress of performing complex operations.
Personal Growth
Surgery is a demanding profession, but it can also be very rewarding. Surgeons have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their patients. They also have the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge throughout their careers.
Online Courses
Online courses can be a helpful way to prepare for a career in surgery. Online courses can provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills they need to succeed in medical school and residency. Online courses can also help surgeons stay up-to-date on the latest medical research.
Some of the topics that online courses can cover include:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Surgical techniques
- Patient care
- Medical research
Online courses can be a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in surgery. Online courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in medical school and residency. Online courses can also help surgeons stay up-to-date on the latest medical research.
However, it is important to note that online courses alone are not enough to prepare someone for a career in surgery. Online courses can be a helpful learning tool, but they cannot replace the hands-on experience that is gained through medical school and residency.
Salaries for Surgeon
City
25th Percentile
50th Percentile
75th Percentile
Median
New York
$350,000
San Francisco
$435,000
Seattle
$406,000
See all salaries
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.
Path to Surgeon
Reading list
Save
Save
Save
Save
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
