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How do I become a surgeon?

I'm in the first year of my GCSEs, and I'm a little confused about how to become a practising surgeon. What are the elaborate steps I need to take?

#doctor #medicine #surgery #surgeon #healthcare #college #premed #school

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Doc’s Answer

Divya, surgeons in the United States are specialized physicians who operate on patients to correct or remove malformations, repair injuries or conduct preventative procedures on patients. They may also conduct examinations on patients and advise them on their medical situations. Many surgeons specialize in one particular field, such as orthopedic, cardiovascular or neurological surgery.

UNITED STATES EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

General surgeons must graduate from medical school, complete a general surgery residence, and obtain licensing. Their training requires at least 13 years of postsecondary education. Due to the continued growth of the healthcare industry, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted employment of physicians and surgeons to increase by 13% during the 2020-2026 decade. The average annual salary of surgeons is $255,000.

PRE-MED UNIVERSITY – 4 YEAR DEGREE – Before entering medical school, aspiring surgeons must complete undergraduate school to earn a bachelor's degree. These 4-year degrees do not have to focus specifically on medicine; however, curricula should focus heavily on the physical sciences to prepare students for the strong emphasis on science in medical school. Courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, math and physiology may be beneficial. Some medical schools admit students after only three years of undergraduate school.

MED SCHOOL – 4 YEAR MEDICAL DEGREE – After graduating with your bachelor's degree, students are prepared to attend medical school and pursue their Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees. M.D. degree program curricula are generally divided into two years of foundational medical courses followed by two years of clinical clerkships. During clerkships, students work directly with patients, applying classroom instruction obtained in the first two years to diagnose illnesses and provide healthcare.

POST- DOCTORAL – 5 YEAR TRAINING – General surgery residency programs typically last five years. These skill-enhancing, training programs are both didactic and clinical in nature. Residents continue with in-class work while sharpening their skills in the various aspects of general surgery. Many general surgery residencies also fulfill requirements for board certification programs.

DOCTORS LICENSE – Along with extensive, formal training from an accredited medical school, all states require surgeons to obtain medical license. Licensure entails passage of the United States Medical Licensing Examination or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam. Surgeons must also become board-certified in surgery and any subspecialties by the American Board of Medical Specialists or American Osteopathic Association. Surgeons are generally required to complete continuing education credits throughout their careers to maintain licensure and certification.

Hospitals, physicians' and surgeons' offices, clinics and even government agencies employ general surgeons. Some general surgeons are also self-employed. These licensed professionals repair and treat general internal injuries, such as broken bones, and wounded tissues or organs. In addition to performing general surgical procedures, these physicians also make diagnoses, conduct follow-ups and advise their patients on other recuperative or preventative healthcare measures.

Hope this was Helpful Divya
Thank you comment icon Your Welcome Divya. The more you praise and celebrate life, the more there is in life to celebrate. Doc Frick
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Rachel’s Answer

General surgery is a great field requiring a medical doctorate. This means that you will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements (1 year biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry). GPA should probably be 3.5 or better (preferably >3.8). You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Once accepted to medical school, as long as you pass your classes and perform reasonably well during your four years of medical training, you can apply for a general surgery 5 year residency. Following that, you will likely apply for a 1-3 year fellowship. This career path requires 14+ years of school after high school but is very fulfilling and challenging work.
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Richard’s Answer

In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.

Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.

Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.

Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters

Try to find opportunities to pursue research.

Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.


During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.

My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
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It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.



Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.

Medical school takes 4 years to complete.

After medical school surgeons complete a residency for additional training. For general surgery these last 5 years and are sometimes followed by an additional year or two of fellowship subspecialty training.
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Estelle’s Answer

I perform gynecologic surgery. My path began with 4 years of college, followed by 4 years of medical school, followed by a 4 year OB Gyn residency.
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