For most medical students across the globe, surgery as a specialty is aspirational. We have all grown up admiring surgeons and their roles in saving lives in general and complex medical cases in particular. We have watched medical TV shows that glorify surgery and boost our interest in the domain even more. But is it all roses in the world of surgery? Career paths in surgery are usually paved with multiple challenges. Before going for a career in surgery, medical students must carefully consider the rewards and challenges of the specialty. In this article, we will discuss some pros and cons of surgery specialty as a career to help aspiring medical professionals make an informed decision.
Firstly, let’s briefly discuss the role of a surgeon. In general words, a surgeon performs operations. They use medical techniques and surgical procedures to change a patient’s physical attributes. From body organ replacements to working with pacemakers, orthopaedic rods, artificial heart valves, removing tumors, and delivering babies via C-sections, a surgeon uses their tools to do various life-changing procedures.
Here are some pros of surgery as a specialty:
● You do meaningful work. Surgery is a rewarding specialty. As a surgeon, you get the opportunity to impact people’s lives by treating severe medical conditions. You are in a reputable field where people look up to you; your expertise and experience lead you to leadership positions where you can guide junior colleagues to become better surgeons.
● You earn well. Since surgeons are experts who perform intense medical procedures and save lives, they are highly paid. With more experience and expertise, the salaries of surgeons keep increasing.
● You have multiple specializations to choose from. As a surgeon, you get a chance to pick a specialization that suits your interests. Heart, brain, eyes, bones — whatever your area of interest is, you can study that specific domain.
● You work with technology. As a surgeon, you will always need to know about the latest technology in your field. Everything from hand tools to lasers and machines continues to evolve. As a result, surgery calls for continuous learning. There is never a dull moment!
● You may get travel opportunities. Surgeons are often needed at various locations. There are training camps or other hospitals you may
need to attend. Medical conferences and training opportunities also call for travel requirements.
Here are some cons of surgery as a specialty:
● You undergo intensive training. To become a surgeon, patience is a must. You need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, a postgraduate degree in surgery, and a minimum three-year residency program. So, yeah, a minimum of 10 or 11 years of intensive education and training is required.
● You work in high-stress environments. Surgery calls for critical decision-making, teamwork, and absolute precision. Since life is at stake, the stress level in an operation theater is usually high. Add unexpected challenges such as rare blood types and multiple medical conditions, and would you need nothing short of a zen-like attitude to perform a successful surgery?
● You work for long hours. Emergency surgeries require immediate attention and 24x7 availability. So, if you are planning to take up surgery, be prepared for erratic work schedules and constantly changing routines. Standing for long hours, assisting other surgeons, and being on call are the realities of every surgeon.
● You will face legal risks. If you plan to become a surgeon, you must also be aware of the litigation risks that come with it. Malpractice claims can be stressful and expensive, and surgeons must be prepared to deal with them.
So, before you decide to take up surgery as a specialty, it is advisable to understand its pros and cons. Are you a cut-out for surgery? Can you wait a little longer to join the workforce? Are you ready for long working hours? Do you like collaborating with a large team (nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgical technicians)? Are you willing to deal with the challenges? And most importantly, are you willing to be a part of one of the most critical career fields in the world that won’t be easy but will be very fulfilling? Aspiring surgeons should consider the possible drawbacks of a demanding schedule, high-stress levels, and the emotional toll of the profession, in addition to their love for surgical procedures, desire for rapid impact, and willingness to endure rigorous training.
Here is a website that can help you understand Master of Surgery in one read.
Do read it to understand the skills required to be a surgeon, exams to clear, topics to study, job profiles, etc. The article lays out surgical career options and surgical residency programs in a simplified manner while giving you options to pick surgery online courses to help you prepare for exams.
When it comes to online resources for MS Surgery, you can go for Diginerve’s online course, Surgery MS by Prof. Dr. Nilay Mandal. Offering a case-based approach, the Surgery MS course contains surgery video lectures for medical students, MCQs, notes, surgical tips, and long case discussions. To know more about the course, click on the link.
