Many medical school students dream of becoming surgeons. However, they may not opt for general surgery. Their goal is to choose a specialty and pursue certification in that field. Understanding the different types of surgeons and their roles is crucial for achieving one’s career objectives.
Surgical Specialties
When searching for surgeon job openings, medical school students will see many options. They need to understand each specialty’s focus to determine if they want to pursue it. The following are some of the most common types of surgeons and an overview of their tasks.
General surgeons perform a wide range of operations, including those on the abdomen, soft tissues, and endocrine system. No fellowship is required for medical students who wish to work in general surgery. Cardiothoracic surgeons focus on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and diaphragm, while neurosurgeons perform procedures on the brain, spine, and nervous system.
Trauma surgeons are called in to handle complex cases and critically injured patients. The surgeon must be able to react rapidly when treating patients, as they may have multiple injuries simultaneously. Plastic surgeons, in contrast, repair severe scars, address facial deformities, and reattach body parts that have been severed to ensure the patient retains the highest level of function in these parts.
Colorectal surgeons focus on the lower digestive tract and treat pelvic floor conditions, abscesses, and colon cancer. Obstetrics and gynecological surgeons treat the female reproductive system, which often involves delivering C-section babies. Orthopedic surgeons operate on the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, tendons, and muscles.
Ophthalmic surgeons work on the eyes, treating glaucoma, refractive errors, and cataracts. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons also work on the face, specifically focusing on the lower part. They address any problems with the face, neck, and jaw. Individuals choosing this surgical specialty often attend both medical and dental school.
Pediatric surgeons perform all of the operations outlined above; however, they only work with children and adolescents. A pediatric surgeon may choose to work with prenatal patients or neonatal patients. Other specialties within this field include trauma and oncology surgery..
Choosing a Surgical Specialty
A medical school student might look at job openings and choose their specialty based on the one with the most job opportunities. However, they need to consider several other factors when making this choice. Those who do so find they have a job they love and can’t wait to get to every day.
The students should consider their interests and what they have enjoyed learning about. They also need to think about their life goals and the amount of time they will spend in school pursuing a specialty. Every person should consider their financial goals, as some specialties make significantly more than others. For example, neurosurgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons make than general surgeons.
A person should consider their skill set when choosing a surgical specialty and look into their fellowship eligibility. Fellowships are very selective and competitive, with pediatric surgery being among the most competitive of all. A student should consider this when making their choice.
Medical school students should also talk to those in the field that they are considering pursuing. These individuals can provide them with the latest information on job opportunities, equipment, and technology, as well as insights into what happens inside the operating room. When a person has this information, they can make the right choice upon which to base their entire career.
