Medical & Clinical

General Surgeon

SOC 29-1248 · ESCO 2212 · OSCA 264631

Role snapshot

Overview

A General Surgeon performs a wide range of operations on the abdomen, skin, breast, and soft tissues to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes assessing patients pre-operatively, determining the necessity and type of surgical intervention, carrying out complex procedures with precision, and managing comprehensive post-operative care and recovery.

General Surgeons save lives and significantly improve quality of life by repairing injuries, removing diseased organs, and correcting deformities. They play a critical role in emergency care and long-term disease management, often being the primary surgical specialists in many communities.

On the job

Conduct thorough patient evaluations, including physical exams and diagnostic tests, to determine surgical candidacy.
Perform surgical procedures such as appendectomies, hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, and tumor excisions.
Manage patient care before, during, and after surgery, including prescribing medications and monitoring recovery.
Collaborate with other medical specialists, nurses, and support staff to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Educate patients and their families on surgical procedures, risks, benefits, and post-operative instructions.

Tools & technology

ScalpelSurgical clampsLaparoscopic instrumentsSuturesElectrocautery devicesSurgical robots

Average salary

$400K

MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD

$250K Bottom 10%

$600K Top 10%

Job outlook

Growing

Job growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.

Education & training

Requires a Bachelor's degree, followed by medical school (MD or DO), a demanding surgical residency program (typically 5+ years), and often a fellowship for sub-specialization. Board certification is mandatory.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Chief of Surgery

Surgical Subspecialist (e.g., Trauma Surgeon)

Medical Director

CURRENT ROLE

General Surgeon

Medical & Clinical

ADJACENT MOVES

Healthcare Administrator

Medical Student

Surgical Resident

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

investigative · IRE

Individuals who thrive in this role are typically intellectually curious, enjoy systematic problem-solving, and are driven by the precise and practical application of knowledge to achieve tangible results. They are also adept at influencing and leading teams in high-stakes environments.

Personality characteristics

Intellectually Curious

Driven to continuously learn new medical techniques and understand complex pathologies.

Highly Conscientious

Exhibits meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to patient safety and surgical precision.

Decisive Leader

Comfortable making critical decisions under pressure and directing a surgical team effectively.

Collaborative

Works effectively with diverse medical teams, nurses, and other specialists for integrated patient care.

Emotionally Resilient

Maintains composure and focus in high-stress, life-or-death situations and handles patient outcomes with professionalism.

Best for

Individuals who are highly disciplined, possess exceptional manual dexterity, and thrive in high-pressure, problem-solving environments.
People driven by a desire to directly heal and save lives through precise medical intervention.
Those who value continuous learning and the application of cutting-edge medical science.

Watch out for

Demanding hours, including regular on-call shifts and emergency surgeries, can lead to high stress.
The work involves high stakes and requires emotional resilience to handle challenging patient outcomes.
Extensive education and training (10+ years post-high school) are required before practicing independently.