4 answers
CHIBUZOR
Student
Debrecen, Hungary
3
Questions
Asked
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I am a 5th year Medical student and I will like to know if becoming a Surgeon is worth it
I am a 5th year Medical student and I am currently looking into choosing Surgery as a profession.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Surgeon, are the long hours worth it?
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4 answers
Chinonyerem Ukweni
3
Answers
Updated
Chinonyerem’s Answer
Hi Chibuzor.
I am a Veterinary Surgeon and I hope my advice helps.
In the academic field as a surgeon, you’d have to collaborate with other specialists to publish papers and advance in career.
If however you enjoy holding a scapel, manipulating organs, reducing fractures and getting that adrenaline rush when a blood vessel pops or the tachycardia from hoping a patient pulls through your induced coma, then please become a surgeon.
The long hours spent standing in a theater make sense when you see the result in your recovered patient.
There’s a confidence surgeons have after every surgery that most medical professionals lack, it is earned through successful operations and I hope you get to expend that pride.
I cannot talk about human medic pay but I can tell you for certain that surgeries are not cheap and surgeons are not broke.
Goodluck with your career choices.
I am a Veterinary Surgeon and I hope my advice helps.
In the academic field as a surgeon, you’d have to collaborate with other specialists to publish papers and advance in career.
If however you enjoy holding a scapel, manipulating organs, reducing fractures and getting that adrenaline rush when a blood vessel pops or the tachycardia from hoping a patient pulls through your induced coma, then please become a surgeon.
The long hours spent standing in a theater make sense when you see the result in your recovered patient.
There’s a confidence surgeons have after every surgery that most medical professionals lack, it is earned through successful operations and I hope you get to expend that pride.
I cannot talk about human medic pay but I can tell you for certain that surgeries are not cheap and surgeons are not broke.
Goodluck with your career choices.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
CHIBUZOR
Scott Pusateri
Physician Assistant
3
Answers
Pleasanton, California
Updated
Scott’s Answer
I am a Physician Assistant who has worked in surgery for many years and interact with Surgeons everyday. I will lay out the pros and cons based on my personal experience and observation.
Pros:
-Strong sense of purpose and pride in their jobs
-Well-respected
-Great salary
Cons:
-Long and expensive education
-High stress and risk of burnout
-Long and often unpredictable hours
-Malpractice risk
Summary:
Surgeons are some of the smartest and most well-respected individuals I have ever worked with. Their skillset is second to none and the job is truly one-of-a-kind and as purpose-driven as it gets. The best Surgeons I have every worked with are extremely competent, humble, and absolutely LOVE what they do.
With that being said, the job is certainly not for everyone. Being a Surgeon comes with ALOT of responsibility and stress that certain individuals struggle managing. The stakes are high given the patient's health and well-being are literally in your hands. Work-life balance is also an issue given the often long and unpredictable work hours. It's also important to realize that you are always "on-call". Patient emergencies and/or complications happen, need to be addressed, and usually don't align with your ideal schedule.
Pros:
-Strong sense of purpose and pride in their jobs
-Well-respected
-Great salary
Cons:
-Long and expensive education
-High stress and risk of burnout
-Long and often unpredictable hours
-Malpractice risk
Summary:
Surgeons are some of the smartest and most well-respected individuals I have ever worked with. Their skillset is second to none and the job is truly one-of-a-kind and as purpose-driven as it gets. The best Surgeons I have every worked with are extremely competent, humble, and absolutely LOVE what they do.
With that being said, the job is certainly not for everyone. Being a Surgeon comes with ALOT of responsibility and stress that certain individuals struggle managing. The stakes are high given the patient's health and well-being are literally in your hands. Work-life balance is also an issue given the often long and unpredictable work hours. It's also important to realize that you are always "on-call". Patient emergencies and/or complications happen, need to be addressed, and usually don't align with your ideal schedule.
Thanks for your encouragement!
CHIBUZOR
Jennifer Lee
Resident
2
Answers
Shreveport, Louisiana
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
What is mean by worthiness? Ask yourself what's your passion, what is your most valuable thing. It will differ person to person. I am pursuing pathology because I enjoy looking at the slides. There may be busy day or easy day in the career. Only if you have passion on the subject, you will be not exhausted. Nothing is permanent; nothing can be calculated for 100%. Enjoy your life and your every moment by doing what you like. Life is short.
Thank you for the advice.
CHIBUZOR
Tawanna Thompson
Surgical Technologist
1
Answer
Brooksville, Florida
Updated
Tawanna’s Answer
I think you should become a CVOR PA. Better wrk life balance, less risk of lawsuits.