Profession: Surgeon. What does a surgeon do and how to become one?

Table of Contents:

Surgeon - role and characteristics
What a surgeon's work looks like
How to become a surgeon
Pros and cons of being a surgeon
Average surgeon salary

Surgeon - role and characteristics

A surgeon's work revolves around operative and postoperative care. Unlike internists or pediatricians, who rely mainly on medication and non-invasive diagnostics, surgeons make physical changes to the body's anatomical structures using specialized surgical instruments. What does a surgeon do? Their responsibilities extend far beyond the operating room. Surgeons must also analyze imaging results (such as ultrasound, CT, MRI) and laboratory tests to determine whether surgery is necessary. They evaluate risks and benefits, make decisions about procedures, and guide patients through the entire treatment process.

What a surgeon's work looks like

Much depends on the chosen specialty - for example, vascular surgeons focus on arteries and veins, while plastic surgeons specialize in reconstruction and aesthetics. Regardless of the field, surgical work requires exceptional precision, emotional resilience, physical endurance, and the ability to act under pressure. Surgeons monitor patients after procedures, manage complications, and supervise the entire recovery process. The job is undoubtedly stressful, demanding intense concentration and often involving long, exhausting shifts.

How to become a surgeon?

The path to becoming a surgeon is long and challenging, which naturally adds to the prestige of this profession. It begins with completing a six-year medical degree, where students gain foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and pathology. After graduation, every aspiring surgeon must complete a one-year internship to gain practical experience across various medical fields, including surgery.
Next comes the national medical licensing exam, crucial for securing a residency position. Surgical residency typically lasts around six years and includes hands-on training in diagnostics, surgical techniques, and independent procedures. The last step is the state specialization exam - passing it grants the official title of a certified surgeon.
So how long does it take to become a surgeon? In most cases, around 12-13 years from the start of medical school.

Pros and cons of being a surgeon

Among the biggest advantages is the direct impact on saving or improving patients' lives. The satisfaction of a successful operation is something many surgeons describe as a profound sense of purpose. The profession is also associated with respect, prestige, and continuous development - new techniques and technologies mean the job is never monotonous. Another major benefit is the high earning potential, one of the best in the entire medical field.
However, the downsides are significant. The responsibility is enormous, as surgical errors can have severe consequences. The constant pressure can be mentally exhausting, and the long, irregular hours - night shifts, emergency surgeries, and lengthy operations - often leave little room for rest, especially early in the career.

Average salary of a surgeon

Surgeons are among the highest-earning medical professionals. Private clinics generally offer the most competitive rates, and the best-paid specialists include:

• vascular surgeons,
• plastic surgeons,
• neurosurgeons,
• orthopedic surgeons.