Surgeon
A surgeon is a medical doctor that specializes in performing operations on patients, in many cases under serious conditions. Surgeons may perform one specific type of procedure, or may be a “general surgeon” that performs multiple procedures. He or she may execute elective or critical operations. Common surgical treatments include: cardiac operations, appendectomies, transplants, skin grafts, cosmetic procedures, joint replacements, and neurological procedures. Surgeons typically work in a hospital setting, but some may work in private practices or clinics. He or she may also work in a military setting or for a non-profit organization.
Common duties include: working long hours, working weekends and/or holidays, remaining on call at various times of day, working in trauma centers, working with teams of physicians, and completing departmental administrative obligations.
Surgeons are required to hold a medical degree, as well as complete a surgical internship, residency, and fellowship program. He or she must undergo extremely meticulous training that ensures they are highly skilled to perform all procedures required. Board certification, and a license are also needed. Other preferred skills include: proper bedside manner, record keeping skills, computer skills, research skills, management skills, writing skills, reporting skills, the ability to be flexible, and administrative skills. The need for surgeons is increasing and has a projected growth rate of about 15% for the next ten years.
The typical average salary of an experienced surgeon is about $225,000 per year.
