3 answers
kaiden
Student
Greenville, Ohio
11
Questions
Asked
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is being a surgeon hard
#surgeon #surgery #general-surgery #career
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3 answers
Kamyar Taghavisheikh
student
6
Answers
Littleton, Colorado
Updated
Kamyar’s Answer
It's a tricky thing to do, and you need to put a maximum of 10 years into it. The tuition is high as well. It would be best if you dedicated a lot of time to it, but the result is satisfying you get paid a lot.
Mrs. Raj an Advocate for Education
Educator K-16
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Mrs. Raj’s Answer
Hi,
There are many steps to becoming a surgeon before and after medical school. The part about “what is hard” depends on the individual; is taking tests hard for you? Studying? Staying awake for 12-16 hours straight, with little breaks possible? Not to mention the emotional toll, so that is why self-care is important. These are some areas that are part of the path to becoming a surgeon or any profession that requires YEARS of school & training. So, here is ONE academic path (out of several ways) for being a general surgeon:
1. *Maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA in undergrad. **Typical major: Biology
2. (Optional) Apply for graduate school and maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA. **Typical field: Biological Sciences
3. Be involved in clubs & organizations, especially leadership positions. The choices can range & science-related clubs/orgs is a good idea
4. Work in science-related jobs. For example, typical work settings include the County Coroner for those interested in attending medical school
5. Prepare to apply for medical school (choosing D.O./M.D. path, prepping for MCAT, financial aid, etc...)
6. Finish medical school typically 4 yrs
7. Apply & select residency programs (the length of residency is typically 2-7 years based on specialization i.e. family practice, general surgery, etc...)
8. Study and prepare for yearly exams before & during residency programs (tested after each rotation to make sure you know material before moving on)
9. Post-residency, decide on who/where you want to set up your practice. Typically, surgeons are part of a medical group and work in hospitals exclusively & have a private practice. Some work for non-profit organizations and abroad.
10. Celebrate the road less traveled!
This profession is an investment in time, money, energy, physical & mental health, so relish each accomplishment & reflect on the challenges/roadblocks. This profession requires so many medical & soft skills, and is highly lucrative as far as income in the U.S.
Again, this is ONE path of obtaining a license to be a surgeon. And applying and being accepted into medical school is based on variety of factors, but even if *one’s GPA in undergrad is not above 3.5 or higher does not equate to automatic denial. It depends on the type of school and admissions board. Also, **medical schools have been known to accept students without a science major. For example, students have been admitted who majored in philosophy or English Literature. Again, it depends on the school.
Overall, there is a time-consuming process getting into medical school, and also realities like being denied admission during the first attempt and waiting another year before applying to med school or even withdrawing from school after a year. So be prepared emotionally, mentally, physically for all those possibilities, but also remember that what you want to achieve requires consistent work, a little luck, and motivation to finish.
If you’re in middle school, asking questions about careers is a good start. Be curious, stay curious!
If you’re in high school, continue to stay curious about careers & prepare to apply for college.
If you’re an undergrad student, continue to remain curious & seek resources on campus about medical school.
If you’re in medical school, congrats!
There are many steps to becoming a surgeon before and after medical school. The part about “what is hard” depends on the individual; is taking tests hard for you? Studying? Staying awake for 12-16 hours straight, with little breaks possible? Not to mention the emotional toll, so that is why self-care is important. These are some areas that are part of the path to becoming a surgeon or any profession that requires YEARS of school & training. So, here is ONE academic path (out of several ways) for being a general surgeon:
1. *Maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA in undergrad. **Typical major: Biology
2. (Optional) Apply for graduate school and maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA. **Typical field: Biological Sciences
3. Be involved in clubs & organizations, especially leadership positions. The choices can range & science-related clubs/orgs is a good idea
4. Work in science-related jobs. For example, typical work settings include the County Coroner for those interested in attending medical school
5. Prepare to apply for medical school (choosing D.O./M.D. path, prepping for MCAT, financial aid, etc...)
6. Finish medical school typically 4 yrs
7. Apply & select residency programs (the length of residency is typically 2-7 years based on specialization i.e. family practice, general surgery, etc...)
8. Study and prepare for yearly exams before & during residency programs (tested after each rotation to make sure you know material before moving on)
9. Post-residency, decide on who/where you want to set up your practice. Typically, surgeons are part of a medical group and work in hospitals exclusively & have a private practice. Some work for non-profit organizations and abroad.
10. Celebrate the road less traveled!
This profession is an investment in time, money, energy, physical & mental health, so relish each accomplishment & reflect on the challenges/roadblocks. This profession requires so many medical & soft skills, and is highly lucrative as far as income in the U.S.
Again, this is ONE path of obtaining a license to be a surgeon. And applying and being accepted into medical school is based on variety of factors, but even if *one’s GPA in undergrad is not above 3.5 or higher does not equate to automatic denial. It depends on the type of school and admissions board. Also, **medical schools have been known to accept students without a science major. For example, students have been admitted who majored in philosophy or English Literature. Again, it depends on the school.
Overall, there is a time-consuming process getting into medical school, and also realities like being denied admission during the first attempt and waiting another year before applying to med school or even withdrawing from school after a year. So be prepared emotionally, mentally, physically for all those possibilities, but also remember that what you want to achieve requires consistent work, a little luck, and motivation to finish.
Mrs. Raj recommends the following next steps:
Talha Khan
Sales
2
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Talha’s Answer
Nothing is hard in life if you put your mind to it. Find out what you love, what your passion is and then focus on it. I believe anyone can do any thing be a surgeon, scientist or engineer. The only requirement is your passionate about it and you are focused.