What Do Surgeons Do?
Physicians who treat diseases, injuries, and deformities by invasive, minimally‑invasive, or non‑invasive surgical methods, such as using instruments, appliances, or by manual manipulation.
A Day in the Life of a Surgeon
- Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.
- Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
- Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
- Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
- Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
- Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.
Surgeon Skills
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Surgeon
- Podiatric Foot and Ankle Specialist
- Surgical Endoscopist
- Vascular Surgeon
- General Surgeon
- Orthopedic Surgeon
Job Outlook for Surgeons
In the United States, there were 45,000 jobs for Surgeons in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,500 new jobs for Surgeons by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,900 positions for Surgeons per year. The states with the most job growth for Surgeons are New York, Maryland, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Mississippi, Vermont, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Surgeon
Surgeons make between $94,960 and $208,000 a year. Surgeons who work in Alabama, Alaska, or Arizona, make the highest salaries.
How much do Surgeons make in different U.S. states?
- Alabama – $278,810
- Alaska – $208,000
- Arizona – $208,000
- Arkansas – $266,630
- California – $221,490
- Colorado – $244,940
- Connecticut – $224,570
- Delaware – $277,280
- District of Columbia – $244,230
- Florida – $211,640
- Georgia – $273,450
- Hawaii – $208,000
- Idaho – $241,030
- Illinois – $243,350
- Indiana – $259,850
- Iowa – $231,450
- Kansas – $282,940
- Kentucky – $268,550
- Louisiana – $253,630
- Maine – $286,810
- Maryland – $284,120
- Massachusetts – $242,790
- Michigan – $244,710
- Minnesota – $208,000
- Mississippi – $280,350
- Missouri – $248,250
- Montana – $266,470
- Nebraska – $287,890
- Nevada – $208,000
- New Hampshire – $208,000
- New Jersey – $285,850
- New Mexico – $280,430
- New York – $250,620
- North Carolina – $278,260
- North Dakota – $219,390
- Ohio – $267,680
- Oklahoma – $279,020
- Oregon – $208,000
- Pennsylvania – $252,140
- Rhode Island – $257,000
- South Carolina – $208,000
- South Dakota – $208,000
- Tennessee – $271,680
- Texas – $238,080
- Utah – $208,000
- Vermont – $272,550
- Virginia – $264,160
- Washington – $240,910
- Wisconsin – $208,000
- Wyoming – $208,000
What Tools do Surgeons Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Surgeons may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Windows
- MEDITECH software
- Epic Systems
- SmugMug Flickr
- Electronic medical record (EMR) software
- Practice management software (PMS)
- Human resources management system (HRMS)
- Computer imaging software
How to Become a Surgeon
What education is needed to be a Surgeon?