Surgeons are responsible for performing invasive procedures when non-evasive treatments cannot correct an injury or disease. Their job requires physical stamina, long hours, and the ability to focus. Aspiring surgeons complete a four-year undergraduate program and then attend medical school.
How to Become a Surgeon
Aspiring surgeons must have a deep passion for medicine and the human body. They must excel academically in pre-med, medical, and residency. This includes maintaining excellent grades, participating in volunteerism, obtaining medical internships, and other activities to develop their skills and CV. After graduating from medical school, aspiring surgeons must complete a residency program in their specialty of choice, which lasts up to seven years. During this time, they work alongside senior physicians and experienced residents. Surgeons, for instance, Armen Parajian, are paid a salary during their residencies. After a surgical residency, MD surgeons take the United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) and DO surgeons take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). They must pass these exams to obtain state licensure to practice. Afterward, some surgeons choose to subspecialize and pursue a fellowship. These fellowships are one to three years long and require additional training in a specific field.
Medical School
During the first two years of medical school, called the preclinical phase, students learn about human systems’ standard structure and function through gross and microscopic anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, behavioral science, microbiology, and neuroscience. The curriculum also includes seminars, problem-based learning sessions, and laboratory work. In the third year, students begin clinical rotations. They become part of a medical team, working with interns (first-year residents), residents (doctors-in-training), and an attending physician (senior doctor). During these experiences, they are exposed to many areas of medicine and take national exams that determine whether or not they continue in a specific specialty. During the clinical phase, students follow patients for extended periods, either during hospitalizations or outpatient visits. They also participate in teaching sessions with other healthcare professionals. They learn about diseases, conditions, symptoms, and treatment options through standardized patients, case studies, small-group discussions, and observational clinical experience. Medical schools also offer elective clerkships.
Residency
Once you’ve completed your medical degree, you must complete a residency. Surgical residencies can last between five to seven years and provide you with hands-on experience performing surgery under the supervision of a licensed physician. In the past, medical residencies were hospital-based, and residents lived at hospitals, working a full schedule that included ‘call’ (night duty) every third night. Since 2003, however, strict work hours rules have been instituted. Residents participate in educational conferences, grand rounds, journal clubs, and research, gaining a solid grounding in general medicine and the specifics of their desired specialty. After completing their residency, surgeons can pursue a subspecialty through a two to three-year fellowship program. This allows them to become fully-fledged specialists in their chosen field. Generally, successful completion of a residency qualifies you for board certification and membership or fellowship in several specialty organizations. Getting a suitable residence is crucial to a surgeon’s career success.
Fellowship
A fellowship is a year or more of advanced training in a medical specialty. While not required for every doctor, a fellowship often precedes attending (full-time practicing) physician positions. Fellows are expected to do a fair amount of research but also spend time caring for patients under the supervision of attending physicians. The responsibilities of an attending surgeon differ from those of a fellow, though; attendings don’t have to frontload patient care as much and can devote more time to research or medical education. It’s important to have letters of recommendation from medical professionals during the fellowship application process. Many fellowship programs will also ask for a personal statement and a CV. Focus on your strengths, and add to your CV with relevant work experience, volunteering, awards, and published papers. The more you showcase yourself, the better your chances of getting into a program.
