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What are the social lives of surgeons throughout the hospital? Do many surgeons not have time to have a very large social life? Do they have time for children / starting a family?

At school, I am most interested in gross anatomy, microbiology, and biology,
while my hobbies include athletics. A topic that I am passionate about is leadership and "organized chaos". #medicine #doctor #biology #surgeon #trauma #ICU #chaos #busy #medical #premed #med

biology surgeon premed med trauma busy icu chaos
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Richard’s Answer

During medical school and residency, surgeons do not have much control over their schedule and therefor have a limited social life. After residency, in practice, they can have more control over their schedule and can choose to work fewer hours at the cost of making less money and possibly doing less complex procedures.
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Ann’s Answer

Hi Isabelle,

Great question! During med school your schedule may be a hectic one, but once you start to practice how busy you are will depend a lot on you. My cousin is a surgeon, and he has a family with 8 kids. He is able to make it to ball games and family vacations. I think work life balance is something you will juggle no matter the career you have, but it doesn't have to be as crazy as tv makes it out to be. Hope this helps!
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Rachel’s Answer

I am a surgeon in Texas, and I am married with three children. I had two of those children during training. There is no doubt that both you and your family will make great sacrifices during your 80 hour work weeks in residency. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and if you choose to work less and spend more time with your family upon completion of your training, that is perfectly acceptable.
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Jeremy’s Answer

There is no question that being a surgeon will take a huge amount of time away from your family or social life. This can be especially true during residency. Although working hours now have a maximum of 80 hours a week (still double the traditional 40 hour work week), many residents will still find themselves working more. However, you can always arrange things to accomplish your personal goals with family and investing in your own wellness. Many surgeons have families, take vacations, do triathlons, etc.

The big point I'd drive home is that you cannot always commit time to everything in your life at the same time. Sometimes work will come before your spouse, and other times your spouse will need to come first. It is important to find someone that understands this balance of time and the commitment you have made to your patients.
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