Surgeon Phoenix uses their medical knowledge, expertise, and surgical skills to perform operations that can save or improve a patient’s life. They may work alone or with a team of healthcare professionals.

Surgeons can expect to have productivity expectations that increase as they advance through their academic careers. They also need to develop efficiencies that allow them to meet these goals within a fixed amount of clinical time.

Surgeons are highly trained medical specialists who play a hands-on role in patient care. They work alongside multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, private practices and surgical centers, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to treat injuries, diseases and physical deformities through both minimally-invasive and open surgical procedures. Surgeons perform comprehensive consultations with their patients, reviewing diagnostic imaging and bloodwork to discuss treatment options and recovery expectations.

Surgeons must have the ability to work under pressure, making quick decisions during surgery and working long hours when on call for emergencies. Depending on their specialties, surgeons may also be required to complete regular training updates to keep abreast of advancements in their field.

Whether working in general surgery, oncology or neurosurgery, surgeons operate within a sterile and controlled environment to prevent infections during their procedures. Their workspaces are often equipped with specialized surgical instruments, monitoring devices and anesthesia machines. Many surgeons work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants and anesthesiologists, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their patients.

To become a surgeon, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree and attend medical school, earning your Doctor of Medicine (MD). You then must pass licensing exams before entering a residency program in your area of specialty. Your residency will provide hands-on experience and develop the acute operating skills you’ll need to practice in this demanding profession.

A career in surgery is not for everyone, as the rigors of this intensive field can be physically and mentally demanding. If you’re considering this prestigious path, consider your own strengths and preferences to determine whether this is the right fit for you.

Do you thrive on the challenge of improving a patient’s quality of life? Do you enjoy being part of a team and working with people? Do you feel energised by working under pressure and making fast decisions? If so, a surgical career could be the perfect choice for you. Take our free career test to find out if you’re a good candidate for this demanding, but rewarding field. Xavier University School of Medicine offers comprehensive support and guidance through the entire application process, with mock interviews, application assistance and one-on-one mentorship programs.

Surgeons Work in Hospitals

Surgeons work in hospitals to perform surgical procedures and care for patients before, during and after operations. They also may run clinics and prescribe medications to help treat certain medical conditions, depending on their area of expertise and the type of surgery they specialize in.

Surgeons are expected to have a high level of manual dexterity and stamina in order to carry out the physically challenging aspects of their job. They must be able to make quick decisions under pressure during surgeries and must be prepared to work long hours, including on weekends and holidays, as well as be on call for emergencies. In addition, surgeons must be able to work as part of a larger medical team, collaborating with various other health professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.

The vast majority of surgeons are general surgeons who specialize in a variety of fields, including plastic surgery, gastroenterology and cardiac surgery. They perform both elective surgery (for patients who are not critically ill) and trauma surgery. General surgeons are also the originators of many surgical subspecialties, such as colorectal surgery, breast surgery and urology.

In order to be a surgeon, doctors must obtain a bachelor’s degree, complete medical school and then pursue specialized training in their chosen field. This can include internships, fellowships and residency programs. In addition, surgeons must be licensed to practice in their state or country of residence and should consider becoming a member of professional medical societies to remain abreast of the latest advancements in their specialty.

Considering a career in medicine? Surgeons and physicians play critical roles in healthcare, but their skills, daily responsibilities and education can vary significantly. Learn more about the differences between these two types of healthcare practitioners to determine if a surgeon or physician career is right for you.

A career in surgery is highly competitive, and the training process is grueling. However, the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others can be a powerful motivation to overcome challenges and endure a long medical education journey. AUC can support you throughout the process with resources like mentorship programs, application assistance and hands-on clinical experiences.

Surgeons Work in Outpatient Surgery Centers

Surgeons are often called upon to perform surgeries at ambulatory surgery centers (ASC). These facilities provide a high-quality surgical experience for patients and their families.

These clinics offer a less-complicated environment than hospitals and are better suited for patients who do not require hospital stays or who have short surgical procedures. Increasing patient demand, clinical advances in technology and financial incentives have all contributed to the growth of ASCs. These clinics are largely physician owned and operated. Research has shown that the penetration of a freestanding ASC is associated with significant reductions in hospital-based outpatient surgery rates within a market.

It is important to consider where your surgery will be performed before scheduling an operation. Some physicians have surgical suites attached to their offices, while others are part of a larger health system and can offer you the convenience of having your surgery in one location where your surgeon, anesthesiologist and care team are already familiar with your health history. A surgery center near your home or work can also be helpful in case any complications arise during or after your procedure.

Regardless of where your surgery is performed, the surgical team will be working together to ensure a smooth and safe process from start to finish. Aside from the obvious benefits of reducing medication use and avoiding the need to stay overnight in the hospital, same-day surgery provides patients with a faster recovery time and allows them to return to their daily lives more quickly.

If your doctor is performing your surgery in a facility outside of their private practice, you should ask about the type of anesthesia used and how it will be monitored. You may want to know if the physician is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and what types of pain management methods will be available. The anesthesiologist is a key member of your surgical team, so it is important that you are comfortable with their qualifications. Also, find out if they will be present throughout your procedure to make sure you are receiving the highest level of care.

Surgeons Work in Private Practice

A surgical career requires extensive education, long hours of work and physical and mental stamina. However, a successful career in surgery also promises opportunities for personal growth, professional satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment as surgeons strive to balance patient-centric care with evolving industry demands. Whether navigating the shift from private practice to hospital employment or grappling with new realms of technological innovation, surgeons must constantly adapt to the changing healthcare landscape.

A growing number of surgeons are choosing to leave their practices and become hospital-employed physicians. This choice often stems from a desire for financial stability and professional autonomy. For example, in addition to providing a steady salary, hospitals also cover expenses like medical equipment and malpractice insurance, which can be prohibitively expensive for private practices. Hospital-employed surgeons also tend to enjoy greater freedom from administrative duties, allowing them to focus more on clinical work and patient interaction14.

The decision to transition to a hospital-based practice can also be influenced by lifestyle preferences and family commitments. For instance, younger surgeons may prefer the stability offered by hospital employment while older physicians may choose to pursue independent practices. Furthermore, a growing number of private practices are being acquired by health systems or private equity firms that bring seasoned business professionals to help manage operations. These changes can sometimes conflict with physician autonomy, as the focus on profitability and maximizing revenue can take surgeons away from clinical responsibilities and potentially harm patient outcomes14.

Another major challenge facing the future of surgery is access to quality healthcare in rural areas. Multiple factors, including workforce shortages, issues with surgical training and rural hospital closures, are limiting the availability of necessary medical care in these underserved communities. However, innovative models of healthcare are emerging that promise to improve access to quality care in rural regions.

While it’s important to understand the many different avenues of a surgical career, it’s also vital to keep in mind that the most important factor remains patient-centric care. As a surgeon, you will have the unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of patients in their most vulnerable moments. This is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the workplace.