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How to Become a General Surgeon?

Discover the path to becoming a General Surgeon in India—from education to career opportunities, here's everything you need to know to pursue this vital medical profession

Published By Team SetMyCareer
Last Updated: 15 August 2024
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In this Career Outline


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Introduction to General Surgeon

"The hands of a General Surgeon hold the power to heal, restore, and give life a second chance." — Dr. John Smith

General surgeons are doctors who specialize in performing surgeries to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Surgery involves altering bodily tissues, and while some procedures require specialized surgeons, general surgeons handle a broad range of surgeries. They are involved in the entire treatment process, from initial assessment to post-operative care. Many are skilled in minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy, which uses tiny instruments and cameras to perform surgeries with smaller incisions. General surgeons are knowledgeable about various diseases and will guide you on whether surgery is necessary and the best approach for your condition.


Steps to Become a General Surgeon:

Step-1

The first step towards becoming a General Surgeon is to excel in your 10+2 education with a focus on Science subjects, particularly Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Step-2

After completing 10+2, the next step is to appear for national-level medical entrance exams like NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) to secure a seat in an undergraduate medical program.

Step-3

Register for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program. This is a 5.5-year course, including a one-year internship, which provides the foundational medical knowledge and practical experience required to pursue a specialization in surgery.

Step-4

After completing MBBS, you need to pursue a Master of Surgery (MS) in General Surgery. This is a 3-year postgraduate program that offers specialized training in surgical procedures and techniques.

Step-5

Post MS, completing a residency program is crucial. This hands-on experience in hospitals under the supervision of experienced surgeons hones your surgical skills and prepares you for independent practice.

Step-6

After completing your education and residency, you must obtain certification from the Medical Council of India (MCI) and a license to practice as a General Surgeon.

Step-7

Ongoing education through workshops, conferences, and advanced courses is crucial. Experience, along with continuous education, helps you stay updated with the latest surgical techniques and technologies.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria Description
Eligibility Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.)
Educational Background High school diploma or equivalent.
Undergraduate Degree One must earn a degree in MBBS or a Diploma in General Surgery to become a General Surgeon. This is a basic qualification required to enroll in this line of work.
Postgraduate Degree An M.S. in General Surgery can also prove to be helpful while looking for a higher degree and better learning.
Entrance Exams Should procure a valid score in entrance exams such as NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, PGIMER, DNB CET, etc.

  • Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.).
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • One must earn a degree in MBBS or a Diploma in General Surgery as a basic qualification to enter this field.
  • An M.S. in General Surgery can provide advanced training and enhance career opportunities.

  • Should procure a valid score in Entrance exams after 12th such as NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, PGIMER, DNB CET, etc., which are necessary for admission to medical and surgical programs.

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Tasks to perform as a General Surgeon:

Make preparations for patients to surgery by placing them on the examination table and wrapping them with operational equipment curtains to avoid contamination. More vocations relating to this task may be found here.

Deliver equipment and materials to physicians and physicians' associates, maintain adductor muscles and snip stitches, and execute other responsibilities as requested by the physician throughout the procedure.

Cleaning and replenishing the operation room, collecting and organizing equipment and materials and situating instrumentation in accordance with directions, such as a request card.

Condiments or dressings should be produced ahead of time and applied or assisted with their administration following the surgery.

Maintain a clean, sterile environment throughout medical procedures.

Knowledge & Skills Required

General Surgeons must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:

Knowledge Required
Understanding of human body structure Knowledge of various surgical techniques
Study of the effects of diseases on the body Understanding of medications used in surgery
Ethical decision-making in patient care Handling preoperative and postoperative care
Skills Required
Manual Dexterity Team Management
Critical Thinking Problem-Solving
Communication Skills Physical Stamina

Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of General Surgeon.

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The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?


The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!

Job roles offered for a General Surgeon:

Once you obtain the necessary qualifications to become a General Surgeon, various career paths are available to you. Here are some options:

Surgical Technologist:

Assists surgeons by preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring a sterile environment. They work under a licensed practitioner, primarily in hospitals, providing tools and materials during surgery.

Surgical Scrub Technician:

Works in the operating room, providing sterile tools to surgeons and maintaining a sterile environment. They ensure all instruments are accounted for after surgery and handle the disposal or sterilization of equipment.

Anesthesia Technologist:

Supports anesthetists by cleaning, maintaining, and preparing anesthesia equipment for surgeries.
They work full-time in hospitals, often during evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Surgical Assistant:

Prepares the operating room, sterilizes instruments, and assists with patient preparation. They monitor patient vitals and may perform minor procedures like wound management.

Operating Room Technician:

Prepares the operating room, maintains equipment, and assists during surgery. They ensure everything is sanitized and ready for use, primarily working in hospitals under the supervision of surgeons and nurses.

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Not sure where you fit in?


With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.

Career Opportunities for a General Surgeon:

General Surgeons can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:

Apollo Hospitals Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. Midland Healthcare & Research Center
Virtua Health Covenant Health Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre
Smiths Medical Aspirus K.D Medical College Hospital and Research Center
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Colleges offering courses for General Surgeon:

Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:

India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh
Christian Medical College, Vellore Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow
Parul University, Vadodara Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry
Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi King George's Medical University, Lucknow

End Note

Becoming a General Surgeon is a challenging but rewarding journey. With the right education, training, and determination, you can succeed in this noble profession. Whether you aim to work in a hospital, start your own practice, or delve into research, the opportunities are vast. If you’re ready to embark on this journey, SetMyCareer is here to guide you every step of the way with Career counselling after graduation. Connect with our experts and start planning your career in General Surgery today!