HOW TO BE A SURGEON

Becoming a surgeon is a challenging and rewarding journey that involves several years of education, training, and practical experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a surgeon in India:

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Surgeon in India

1. Complete Your 10+2 Education (Class 12)

• Subjects Required:
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Mathematics (optional but helpful)
• Minimum Percentage: You will typically need to secure at least 50%–60% in your 12th exams to be eligible for medical entrance exams.

2. Qualify for Medical Entrance Exams

After completing Class 12 with the required subjects, the next step is to clear the medical entrance exams to get into medical school.

• NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test): This is the primary entrance exam for admission to MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in India.
  • The exam tests your knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • A good rank in NEET is essential for getting into a reputed medical college.

  Other exams for specific colleges include:

  • AIIMS MBBS (Now merged with NEET)
  • JIPMER MBBS (Now merged with NEET)
  • State-specific exams (e.g., Maharashtra CET, Uttar Pradesh NEET, etc.)

3. Complete an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)

• Duration: 5.5 years (including 1 year of internship).
• During MBBS, you will study subjects like anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical skills.
• Internship: After completing the coursework, you must complete a year-long internship, where you get hands-on experience in different departments such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics.

4. Pursue Postgraduate Training in Surgery (MS – Master of Surgery)

• After completing your MBBS, you must pursue MS (Master of Surgery) to specialize in surgery.
• Duration: 3 years.
• You can choose from various specialties based on your interests:
  • General Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Neurosurgery
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Urological Surgery
  • ENT Surgery
  • Oncology Surgery

  Admission to MS courses is through the NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduates) or individual institute entrance exams.

5. Obtain Clinical Experience

• After completing your MS, it is essential to gain hands-on experience.
• You can do this through fellowships or by working as a resident in hospitals under the supervision of senior surgeons.

6. Optional: Pursue a Super-Specialization (MCh)

• MCh (Master of Chirurgiae) is a higher-level specialization for those who wish to become experts in a particular area of surgery.
• Duration: 3 years.
• Examples of MCh specializations:
  • Neuro Surgery
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Urology

7. Build Practical Experience and Skills

• Surgeons need to develop exceptional surgical skills, manual dexterity, and decision-making abilities.
• Participate in workshops, conferences, and research related to your field of surgery.

8. Get Licensed and Registered

• After completing your qualifications and training, you need to register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the respective state medical council to legally practice as a surgeon.

Surgeon Career Pathways

• Hospital-based Practice: Work as a surgeon in hospitals (private or government), treating patients.
• Private Practice: Start your own clinic or surgical center.
• Teaching & Academics: Become a professor in medical colleges.
• Research & Innovation: Engage in research, contributing to the development of new surgical techniques or medical technologies.

Skills and Attributes Required to Be a Successful Surgeon

1. Manual Dexterity: Ability to perform delicate and precise procedures.
2. Problem Solving: Surgeons often have to make quick decisions in critical situations.
3. Stamina: Surgery can involve long hours, especially in complex or emergency surgeries.
4. Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in procedures, patient monitoring, and post-operative care.
5. Communication Skills: Interacting with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
6. Emotional Resilience: Ability to handle stressful situations and emotionally charged environments.

Salary and Job Outlook for Surgeons

• Starting Salary: ₹80,000–₹1,50,000 per month (depends on location, specialty, and experience).
• Experienced Surgeons: ₹2,00,000–₹10,00,000+ per month, depending on their reputation and practice.
• Surgeons in India are in high demand, and job opportunities are abundant, especially in private hospitals, clinics, and teaching institutions.

Challenges and Considerations

• Long Education Path: Becoming a surgeon is a long process, requiring years of academic and clinical training.
• Physical and Emotional Demands: Surgeons often work long hours, perform physically demanding procedures, and deal with high-pressure situations.
• Constant Learning: Surgery is a field that requires continuous learning, as new techniques and technologies evolve.

Conclusion

Becoming a surgeon is a rewarding but demanding career that requires dedication, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to patient care. With the right education, training, and experience, you can build a successful career as a surgeon in India.