4 answers
Testimony
Student
Ibadan, Nigeria
4
Questions
Asked
3994 views
Can I dream to be a surgeon even though I am really bad at drawing ?
I am currently a physiology student but I plan on getting my M.D when I'm done with this degree
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4 answers
Elyse Crotty
Certified Surgical Technologist
33
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
Yes, you can become a great surgeon even if you are not good at drawing. We have many tools to help us to draw/create images or models, but we still need actual people to operate (aka surgeons!).
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
734
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Testimony,
You can absolutely become a surgeon if that's what you want to do. I don't think drawing ability is a good predictor of capabilities as a surgeon. Anyway, you don't need to decide on that now.
Studying physiology already puts you on the path to go to medical school. Make sure to keep up your GPA, cover your pre-requisites and get a good score on the MCAT. Also, get involved in research and internships and volunteer activities.
You'll be in medical school for 4 years. For the first 2 year, you'll be mostly in the classroom and mostly in clinical rotations in the last 2 years. You'll get to experience several specialties and be in a much better position to decide on a specialty for your residency. So, relax, you'll find out in time which specialties(s) are "your thing".
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
You can absolutely become a surgeon if that's what you want to do. I don't think drawing ability is a good predictor of capabilities as a surgeon. Anyway, you don't need to decide on that now.
Studying physiology already puts you on the path to go to medical school. Make sure to keep up your GPA, cover your pre-requisites and get a good score on the MCAT. Also, get involved in research and internships and volunteer activities.
You'll be in medical school for 4 years. For the first 2 year, you'll be mostly in the classroom and mostly in clinical rotations in the last 2 years. You'll get to experience several specialties and be in a much better position to decide on a specialty for your residency. So, relax, you'll find out in time which specialties(s) are "your thing".
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Lirio Delgado
11
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
Yes, I think it’s totally possible to become a surgeon even if you’re not good at drawing. Drawing and surgery aren’t the same thing, surgeons need steady hands and good focus, not perfect art skills. What really matters is understanding how the body works and being able to stay calm and focused during tough situations. You can always practice the skills you need for surgery, like hand coordination and precision. If you’re passionate about it and willing to work hard, I believe you can definitely reach that goal.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Testimony
Dedan Yatesa
2
Answers
Winterset, Iowa
Updated
Dedan’s Answer
Absolutely, yes, you can dream and become a surgeon even if you're bad at drawing.
Being skilled at drawing is not a requirement for becoming a surgeon. While good hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness are important in surgery, the kind of fine motor skills used in drawing aren't the same as those developed during surgical training. Surgical skills are learned, practiced, and refined over time through repetition, mentorship, and simulation, not inherited or based on artistic talent.
You're already studying physiology, which gives you a solid foundation.
Many successful surgeons started out doubting themselves or lacking certain skills—but they grew into their role through effort and perseverance.
Stay focused on: 1. Excelling in your medical studies (M.D.) 2. Seeking out surgical shadowing, internships, or assistant roles 3. Practicing fine motor skills (suturing kits, simulation labs) 4. Building resilience and precision through repetition
Being skilled at drawing is not a requirement for becoming a surgeon. While good hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness are important in surgery, the kind of fine motor skills used in drawing aren't the same as those developed during surgical training. Surgical skills are learned, practiced, and refined over time through repetition, mentorship, and simulation, not inherited or based on artistic talent.
You're already studying physiology, which gives you a solid foundation.
Many successful surgeons started out doubting themselves or lacking certain skills—but they grew into their role through effort and perseverance.
Dedan recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Dedan!
Testimony