If you work in healthcare, you'll know that the longest journey to qualification is becoming a surgeon. And they say that you never stop learning if you pick a career in healthcare, but for surgeons, they really never do. It's one of the most difficult and fulfilling career paths in medicine. However, considering the demands and anticipations related to this job, many young doctors ask themselves if the training is still worth it.
Below, we'll explore the journey and whether it's still worth it.
The Long Journey
Becoming a surgeon means getting a medical degree, which usually takes about five to six years. After graduation, aspiring surgeons should go through a year-long foundation program where they work on different areas of medicine. Core surgical training follows for another 2 years and involves more hands-on practice in branches of surgery.
Surgeons acquire mastery over various biomedical equipment and techniques during their studies. For example, using the self-retaining retractor, laparoscopes, how to stitch wounds, and simple bedside manner are all only the basics. Such practical education ensures the development of necessary skills and dexterity within a theatre.
Speciality training may last six to eight additional years, with surgeons going into focus areas like neurosurgery, orthopaedics, or cardiovascular surgery.
Surgical Career Advantages
Despite being long, many people find surgical careers the most rewarding. Some surgeons have opportunities to save lives while enhancing quality health conditions among patients while grappling with complicated medical issues. The satisfaction after managing a successful life saving intervention can hardly be compared with anything else.
There's also no denying being a surgeon, especially a consultant, can be financially rewarding. Still, it's not high enough for the sacrifice and the weight of the responsibility, but it is one of the highest-paying medical professions. Another motivator for those wanting this career is respect from others due to the prestige of being a doctor.
There's diversity across surgical specialities, resulting in endless career opportunities. There are numerous paths for the taking, including reconstructive, paediatric, or trauma surgery, and each has its challenges and benefits.
Challenges in Surgical Training
You can't ignore the challenges. This process consumes a lot of time and can be tough mentally and physically. Continuously staying awake for long hours and working under pressure with high-stress levels throughout may lead to burnout or mental fatigue.
The financial implications associated with this profession can be heavy. Most of those who want to specialise in surgery graduate with sizable student loans, leading to years before they can achieve financial stability compared to other professions. Also, surgeons face many personal hardships when still undergoing their education - the time commitment and what it takes away from your social life is immense.
Still, many surgeons believe that the satisfaction they get from helping patients is more important than any challenge encountered during this process. These experiences make them resilient enough to maintain a dedication to the profession.
The future for surgeons looks promising as technology continues to evolve. It's a career that will always need a human. Do we think it's worth it? Absolutely! The reward and the career satisfaction are worth it...in the end.
