How to Become a Surgeon

Surgeon Education Requirements

The surgeon education requirements can be mainly split into three categories: undergraduate studies, medical school, and residency. Each one has different requirements that prospective surgeons need to adhere to if they want to properly navigate this career path.

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

Start by completing a bachelor’s degree in a pre-medical or related field, which typically requires four years. While there is no specific major requirement, most aspiring surgeons choose subjects like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.

There are also a variety of institutions you can attend, depending on your location. Since most surgeons have to study science-based courses during their undergraduate days, you would most likely pay fees that are predetermined for such courses.

This often ranges between US$10,000 and US$50,000 or more, depending on whether you are attending a public or private university or if you are an in-state or out-of-state student.

2. Medical School

After completing your bachelor’s degree, you need to attend medical school. The process involves taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and achieving a competitive score, which is necessary for applying to and interviewing for medical schools. After getting in, you would study for four years before earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Taking the MCAT would cost less than US$500. However, the average cost of medical school per year is between US$39,237 and US$63,630, seemingly more expensive than the undergraduate fees. Luckily, there are loans and scholarships to help offset most of the tuition and practical fees.

Other fees like lodging, feeding, and more are expected to be dealt with by you. The cost of these expenses varies depending on the taste of the medical student.

3. Complete Residency

Another surgeon’s educational requirement is completing a residency program. These programs provide hands-on clinical experience in a specific medical specialty under the guidance of experienced physicians. It can vary in length, typically lasting 3 to 7 years or more, depending on the specialty.

First, medical students apply for residency positions through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), also known as “the Match.” The application process involves submitting applications to specific residency programs through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). This includes your academic and clinical achievements, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and more.

Residency programs then review applications and invite candidates for interviews. After interviews, both applicants and residency programs create rank-order lists in order of preference. Finally, The NRMP uses a computerized algorithm to match applicants to residency programs based on their rank order lists. It is important to note that the Match is binding, meaning that if you are matched to a program, you are committed to entering that program.

Licensing, Certification and Further Studies

Obtain a Medical License

To practice as a surgeon, you need to obtain a medical license in the state or country where you plan to work after completing your residency program. For those in the USA, this implies you have to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

This three-part standardized test is designed to examine a medical student’s ability to apply medical information, principles, and concepts to analyzing and resolving medical problems they might experience in real life. Ultimately, those who end up passing have proven that they have the necessary qualifications to provide safe and effective patient care.

Board Certification

After completing residency, you can choose to pursue board certification by taking a certification examination administered by a relevant medical specialty board. For intending surgeons, this would typically be the American Board of Surgery (ABS).

Board-certified surgeons are recognized by their peers and patients as having achieved a higher level of competence in their field. It can enhance professional credibility and potentially lead to better job opportunities and higher earning potential.

Fellowship (Optional)

Some surgeons choose to pursue fellowship training to specialize further in a specific area of surgery. Fellowships are optional and can provide advanced expertise in areas like pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, trauma surgery, etc.

Its duration can vary based on factors such as the specialty, program requirements, and whether the fellowship includes research or additional training components. But on average, it lasts between 1 and 3 years.

Consider Sub-specialization (Optional)

Some surgeons also choose to further specialize in their surgical field. This involves additional training and education to become an expert in a specific aspect of the specialty.

Can I Become a Surgeon Through Online Education?

Due to the hands-on nature of the career path, it is practically impossible to become a surgeon through online education. However, online education can play a role in supplementing your medical knowledge and learning about specific surgical topics via a variety of resources available on the web.

Web Resources to Supplement Your Medical Knowledge

• Medscape: Medical news, articles, clinical reference tools, and CME opportunities
• PubMed: This is a database of biomedical literature and research articles
• Merck Manuals: Comprehensive medical information for professionals and patients
• ClinicalKey: Access to medical textbooks, journals, multimedia, and clinical guidelines
• MedCram (YouTube): Educational medical videos covering a wide range of topics
• American Medical Association (AMA): Resources, research, and guidelines for medical professionals

Practical Experience

What Are the Residency Opportunities for a Surgeon?

You are already aware that completing a residency is one of the many educational requirements for surgeons. It can be likened to going on an internship, with the only striking difference being that you would spend more time on a residency program than on a typical internship.

• General Surgery Residency: This is a common path for surgeons who want to develop a broad foundation in surgical procedures. General surgery residents often rotate through various surgical specialties, including trauma, abdominal surgery, and more.
• Orthopedic Surgery Residency: Orthopedic surgeons specialize in musculoskeletal conditions and surgeries, such as joint replacements, fracture repairs, and sports medicine procedures.
• Neurosurgery Residency: Neurosurgeons focus on surgical procedures related to the nervous system, including the brain and spine. This field requires extensive training and expertise.
• Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency: Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in surgical procedures related to the heart and chest, including heart transplants, coronary artery bypass surgery, and valve repairs.
• Plastic Surgery Residency: Plastic surgeons perform both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries to enhance appearance or repair defects.
• Pediatric Surgery Residency: Pediatric surgeons specialize in surgical procedures for infants, children, and adolescents, addressing a range of congenital and acquired conditions.
• Vascular Surgery Residency: Vascular surgeons focus on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting blood vessels, such as aneurysms and arterial blockages.
• Urology Residency: Urologists specialize in surgical procedures involving the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including kidney surgeries and prostate procedures.
• Ophthalmology Residency: Ophthalmologists perform eye surgeries such as cataract removal, laser eye surgeries, and corneal transplants.
• Otolaryngology (ENT) Residency: ENT surgeons focus on surgical treatments for conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat, including sinus surgeries and ear reconstructions.

What Skills Will I Learn as a Surgeon?

As a surgeon, you will acquire a diverse set of skills that are essential for performing successful surgeries and providing optimal patient care. These skills encompass both medical knowledge and practical abilities.

• Surgical Technique: You will master various surgical techniques specific to your chosen specialty, whether it’s general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, or another field. This includes learning how to make precise incisions, handle tissues, control bleeding, and suture wounds.
• Anatomy and Physiology: A deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology is essential for accurately identifying structures, avoiding vital structures, and planning surgeries.
• Hand-Eye Coordination: Surgical procedures require exceptional hand-eye coordination to perform delicate and intricate maneuvers with precision.
• Decision-Making: Surgeons need to make critical decisions in real-time during surgeries, especially when unexpected complications arise. You will learn to analyze situations quickly and choose the best course of action.
• Communication: Effective communication is vital for discussing treatment options with patients and their families, collaborating with medical teams, and providing clear instructions to operating room staff.
• Patient Assessment: You will learn how to assess patients’ medical histories, physical conditions, and diagnostic results to determine the most appropriate surgical interventions.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Surgeons collaborate closely with nurses, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals during surgeries. Learning to lead and communicate effectively with the surgical team is crucial for patient safety.
• Time Management: Surgical procedures have a set timeframe, and you’ll need to manage your time efficiently to complete surgeries without compromising patient care.
• Ethical and Professional Standards: Surgeons adhere to high ethical and professional standards. You will learn how to maintain patient confidentiality, respect patient autonomy, and provide compassionate care.

What Is the Work-Life Balance of a Surgeon?

The work-life balance of a surgeon can vary depending on the individual surgeon, the type of surgery they practice, and the setting in which they work. However, in general, surgeons tend to have long hours and irregular schedules. They may be on call 24/7, working nights, weekends,   holidays, and even traveling for work.

The demands of the job can also have an impact on a surgeon’s ability to balance work and life. This includes dealing with the emotional stress of attending to sick and injured patients and working under pressure all the time.

Despite the long hours and demanding work, many surgeons find their jobs to be very rewarding. They enjoy the challenge of the work and the satisfaction of helping patients. They also appreciate the flexibility that their jobs offer, along with the heavy surgeon salary they get paid.