Surgeons

Physicians who treat diseases, injuries, and deformities by invasive, minimally-invasive, or non-invasive surgical methods, such as using instruments, appliances, or by manual manipulation.

Median Annual Wage: $187,200

Education: Doctoral degree (49%); Post-doctoral training (43%); Professional degree (7%)

Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)

Related Job Titles: Medical Doctor (MD); Physician; General Surgeon; Surgeon; Plastic Surgeon; Vascular Surgeon; Hand Surgeon; Orthopedic Surgeon; Orthopaedic Surgeon; Cardiovascular Surgeon

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Surgeons.

More Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Careers

  • Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
  • Operate on patients to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patients' functions.
  • Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
  • Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, and preparation and treatment of the patient's operative area.
  • Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, and operating rooms.
  • Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
  • Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
  • Prepare case histories.
  • Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, and procurement of supplies and equipment.
  • Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Surgeons.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Surgeons.

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