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What’s it like being a surgeon?
I’m a high school senior. (Class of 2020 :)) I want to be a general or cardiac surgeon when I finish college. I’m 17 years old and I love shopping and sleeping 🤷🏽♀️😊 #surgery #medical-education #teenyears #lifeisgood #doctor #classof2020
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6 answers
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Jon’s Answer
DeZiah,
I think it is great to have a career ambition. I am not, nor have I ever been, a surgeon, but I have been a senior in high school trying to determine what I might want to do for the rest of my life. My advice is this:
1) Stay open-minded about what you want to do. I have met too many people who decided they were trapped in a career path because they were more than halfway into pursuing a degree in that field.
2) Talk to as many people in adjacent fields as you can. For a surgeon, talk to nurses, anesthetists, general care physicians, etc. Ask them about the surgeons they know and what some common traits are.
I have a music performance degree and have become a very successful insurance professional. I still sing and play my instruments for my own enjoyment (and sometimes for some extra cash), but sometimes your career find you.
Good luck,
Jon Meyer, CPCU
I think it is great to have a career ambition. I am not, nor have I ever been, a surgeon, but I have been a senior in high school trying to determine what I might want to do for the rest of my life. My advice is this:
1) Stay open-minded about what you want to do. I have met too many people who decided they were trapped in a career path because they were more than halfway into pursuing a degree in that field.
2) Talk to as many people in adjacent fields as you can. For a surgeon, talk to nurses, anesthetists, general care physicians, etc. Ask them about the surgeons they know and what some common traits are.
I have a music performance degree and have become a very successful insurance professional. I still sing and play my instruments for my own enjoyment (and sometimes for some extra cash), but sometimes your career find you.
Good luck,
Jon Meyer, CPCU
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Surgery can be a rewarding career but it involves hard work! After college and medical school surgeons must complete a residency which has a minimum length of 5 years. During residency surgeons divide their time between the operating room, inpatient care, and clinic. The hours are long and in-house call is frequent (up to one in every three nights).
After residency and possible fellowship surgeons can enter private practice. They spend 1-3 days per week in clinic and spend the rest of their time operating. The hours can be better than during residency but most surgeons, even in private practice have to be available for night call frequently.
After residency and possible fellowship surgeons can enter private practice. They spend 1-3 days per week in clinic and spend the rest of their time operating. The hours can be better than during residency but most surgeons, even in private practice have to be available for night call frequently.
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
I finished my general surgery training at age 33 (13 years after high school). Residency involved long hours of work. A typical resident works 80 hours a week. We take a large amount of call and there are many sleepless nights. However, it is a fulfilling field and will provide a challenge for the rest of your life.
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Mallory’s Answer
I am not a surgeon but I am currently a medical student. I can only speak to my experience working with surgeons on my clinical rotation and their life is very rewarding but also very challenging. The best advice is to shadow or talk to as many surgeons in different specialities as possible.
What you should focus on right now is deciding if a career in medicine is right for you and focus on a pre-med program or science program in college. That will help prepare you for medical school which is the next step to becoming a physician.
Stay positive- stay motivated- study hard!
Interview surgeons or physicians in the medical field about lifestyle, careers
Shadow surgeons, physicians
Volunteer in local hospitals or clinics
Study for pre-med program in college
Prepare application for medical school
What you should focus on right now is deciding if a career in medicine is right for you and focus on a pre-med program or science program in college. That will help prepare you for medical school which is the next step to becoming a physician.
Stay positive- stay motivated- study hard!
Mallory recommends the following next steps:
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Estelle’s Answer
I agree with the answers above. I am a gynecologic surgeon meaning that I only operate on women and have a specific set of procedures in which I specialize. I truly enjoy my job. I spend 3 days in clinic and 2 days operating per week. The operating days are stressful but rewarding. Every case is different and keeps me constantly working on keeping my skills fresh and sharp. I am very goal oriented and enjoy taking on tasks with a specific start and finish. Performing surgeries is perfect for me.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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Waleed’s Answer
Surgery is challenging, varied, and rewarding but also entails hard work and dedication. Many surgeons say they enjoy the intellectual challenges of their job and its quick results and active approach to the treatment of disease, which is almost unique in medicine.