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
In this Career Outline
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:
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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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:
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.
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.
Supports anesthetists by cleaning, maintaining, and preparing anesthesia equipment for surgeries.
They work full-time in hospitals, often during evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Prepares the operating room, sterilizes instruments, and assists with patient preparation. They monitor patient vitals and may perform minor procedures like wound management.
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.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
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 |
| OM Solution |
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!
In this Career Outline
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