When you are a surgeon, you hold tremendous power to help other people. Your surgery procedures may help an athlete return to the sport that he or she loves. A surgery that you perform could help a father return to work in order to provide for his family. A surgeon has dedicated his or her life to improving the health of patients through operations. While the road to becoming a surgeon can be long and difficult, it is truly rewarding to ultimately become a surgeon. When one is a surgeon, he or she can act as a force for good in the world. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a surgeon?” When you want to become a surgeon, it is important for you to take the time to develop an educational plan.
What’s it like to be a surgeon?
When you are a surgeon, you will likely have to work many hours in a week. You may have to work late hours due to an emergency surgery that you need to perform. If you decide to open your own practice, then you will probably never need to work late hours. You will be able to schedule patient surgeries ahead of time with your secretary. Some surgeons only work ten hours a week. When you own your own practice, you will perform operations for your patients at a hospital. Being a surgeon is a high-pressure job. You should anticipate experiencing high levels of stress as a surgeon. When you are a surgeon, you will need to know how to deal with these high levels of stress. As a surgeon, you will also be someone who is highly respected in the community. You may be asked to participate in community charity events or organizations that provide free surgeries to low-income individuals in the community.
Education Requirements
When you want to become a surgeon, it is essential to pursue a bachelor’s degree. You will need to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a field like biology. You may also want to consider pursuing a pre-med program at a college. A pre-med program will expose you to the terminology that you need to know in order to be a great surgeon. You will be able to take courses in anatomy and organic chemistry. These courses will also help you develop analytical skills that will help you succeed in medical school. During your last year of college, you will then apply to medical schools throughout the United States. You will also need to take the MCAT exams in order to be admitted into medical school. After you have completed the MCAT exams, you will then submit your applications to medical schools.
You should consider the geographic area in which you intend to practice when you choose a medical school to attend. Upon your completion of a medical school program, you will need to apply to residency programs throughout the United States.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a surgeon is about $166,000 a year. When you want to become a surgeon, you should apply for positions at local hospitals. You may also want to find positions at a private practice. You may also decide to open your own practice. If you decide to open your own practice, then your salary may greatly increase. Your salary may reach $200,00 to $300,000. Some surgeons eventually sell their practices to other surgeons and are able to make millions of dollars.
References
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm