General Surgeon

A general surgeon is a physician that specializes in performing medical surgeries. A general surgeon often does not have a specialty as to the type of surgery they perform; this is in contrast to specialists such as neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons, who perform a limited range of surgeries but typically have a much deeper knowledge of their particular area of specialty. Most surgeons begin their careers as a general surgeon before specializing further.

A surgeon generally spend most of their time planning and performing surgeries, medical procedures that involve cutting into a patient to diagnose and/or repair internal medical problems. General surgeons perform basic procedures and can often be observed performing surgeries such as an appendectomy.

General surgeons most often work for a hospital as part of the hospital's staff or as a private practice caregiver. A general surgeon performs their surgeries in a hospital operating room, and many work shifts that are more than 12 hours long. General surgeons spend many hours on their feet and must have excellent dexterity in their arms and hands.

General surgeons are highly trained individuals who have attended medical school after the completion of a bachelor's degree. Medical school is followed by a residency program in which a general surgeon is trained further so that they are eventually qualified and skilled enough to perform surgeries on their own.

As an experienced General Surgeon in Singapore, your main responsibilities are:

• Assess and diagnose patients' health conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Supervise and direct surgical operations, including pre-operative assessment, intra-operative care, and post-operative management.
• Prescribe medications, monitor patients' progress, and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care, including primary care physicians, nurses, therapists, and other specialists.

For a General Surgeon job role, the following qualifications are required:

• A General Surgeon must possess a medical degree from an accredited institution. This includes completing the necessary coursework, clinical rotations, and passing the required licensing exams.
• Strong surgical skills are essential for a General Surgeon. They should have expertise in performing a wide range of surgical procedures, including open and laparoscopic surgeries, and be able to handle complex cases.
• In addition to surgical skills, General Surgeons should have a solid foundation of clinical knowledge. This includes an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and various medical conditions to make accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• General Surgeons interact with patients, their families, and other medical professionals on a daily basis.

With over 9 years of experience as a General Surgeon in Singapore, professionals in this field have several alternative career options to consider. Here are following alternative roles for General Surgeons:

• Cardiothoracic Surgeon: A specialized role focusing on surgical procedures related to the heart, lungs, and other thoracic organs.
• Surgical Oncologist: A role dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer through surgical interventions.
• Transplant Surgeon: An opportunity to specialize in organ transplantation surgeries and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Critical Care Surgeon: A position involving the management and treatment of patients in critical condition, often in the intensive care unit ICU.

The job role of General Surgeon in Singapore is expected to witness a steady growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, the demand for General Surgeons is projected to rise due to the aging population and increasing healthcare requirements. The Singapore Ministry of Manpower predicts a growth of 17% in healthcare jobs, including surgical positions, by 2030. This implies a rise in employment opportunities for General Surgeons in the future. With advancements in technology and increased access to healthcare services, the role of General Surgeons is expected to remain crucial in providing surgical interventions and ensuring proper patient care.