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.
Overview
Tasks
Skills
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
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.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.