Career Details :: Surgeons
Description
Treat diseases, injuries, and deformities by invasive methods, such as manual manipulation or by using instruments and appliances.
Experience
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education
A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Tasks
- Operates on patient to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent diseases, or improve or restore patient's functions.
- Analyzes patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
- Examines patient to provide information on medical condition and patient's surgical risk.
- Conducts research to develop and test surgical techniques to improve operating procedures and outcomes.
- Directs and coordinates activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, and other medical staff.
- Examines instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
- Refers patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
Related Careers
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Assisting and Caring for Others
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Consequence of Error
- Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Job-Required Social Interaction
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.