Why Did You Choose General Surgery ?

The surgeons take pride is being the toilers, the exclusive specialist doers - being in the OR in the midst of things for long hours infuses life into them. Procedures, technology, procedures , technology and give them more procedures - coz' thats instant, tangible results and patient satisfaction... "them drugs are for the slow-pokes - me likes it fast" ;-). As this article puts it: "They’re the kind of people who take pride at staying at the hospital far longer than they have to, who complain about the laws limiting residency hours, who elbow each other out of the way for the chance to scrub in on a 12-hour surgery"


Here are what some surgeons say why they liked the field:

- "I chose general surgery as a career choice because it gave me the opportunity to treat patients medically as well as with technical/procedural opportunities. I found it fascinating to perform operations. General surgery has provided constant possibilities for growth and improvement."

Source: Dr. Allen Galster


- "I chose general surgery as a career because I particularly enjoy helping patients through acute medical issues. As a general surgeon, I am able to treat a wide variety of diseases, some benign and some more complex. I have a particular interest in breast cancer and devote about 50% of my practice to diagnosing and treating breast cancer surgically."

Source: Dr. Samia Foster


- "Right now general surgery is one of the specialties that I am most interested in pursuing for several reasons. First, I love to work with my hands. Ever since high school dissections in biology class, I have known that I loved working with my hands and being physically involved in the process of healing. Second, I like to think on my feet. I enjoy problem solving and pressure situations. I think that in surgery one of the most defining characteristics is the ability to approach a situation where little information is available and strategically find an appropriate course of action. This is one of the most attractive aspects of surgery to me. "

Source Dr. Priya George


- "I love to be on the cutting edge of life and enjoy getting deep into the matter of things "

Source: Digitaldoc trying to pull lame joke


Well..Passion and zest for the field is what program directors will look for - coz' unless you got that, its tough to survive in all those grueling hours and pressures. Mr. Mahoney puts the need for passion in perspective: "lives in general surgery are absolutely miserable - but then I see 70-year-olds who still work 90 hours a week, and I have to admit they must sincerely love what they’re doing—or hate their family. I can’t tell which !"




Also read:

- General Surgery and IMGs
- General Surgery Medical Student: Usmle Boards Parts II & I
- Surgical Mentor: A Handbook of Protocol for Interns and Residents in Surgery
- High-Yield™ Surgery (High-Yield™ Series)






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