Surgeon

What is a surgeon?

A surgeon is a doctor with additional training in performing operations. This means they use the latest tools and technologies to find and fix issues inside your body. Your primary care provider may refer you to a surgeon if you need surgery or other types of specialized care.

There are many different types of surgeons, each with their own area of expertise. For example, a neurosurgeon operates on your brain while a cardiac surgeon works on your heart. No matter their specialty, all surgeons are prepared to manage your care before, during and after your surgery.

What does a surgeon do?

Surgeons are responsible for:

• Assessing your condition and reaching a diagnosis
• Identifying the type of surgical and/or nonsurgical treatment you need
• Performing the operation
• Leading a team of healthcare providers involved in the operation, including surgical assistants, anesthesiologists and nurses
• Managing your care after surgery (postoperative care)

Despite their title, surgeons often also provide nonsurgical treatments. For example, they might prescribe pain medications, advise your diet or refer you to physical therapy.

If you need surgery, your surgeon will help you understand why. They’ll also explain the best type of operation and approach for you. You may need traditional (open) surgery, where a surgeon makes cuts (incisions) to access the inside of your body. Or your surgeon may recommend a type of minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopy or robotics.

Your surgeon will develop a care plan tailored to your needs and see it through from start to finish.

What are the different types of surgeons?

The American College of Surgeons recognizes 14 types of surgeons, each with their own specialties (listed below). Some surgeons choose to further specialize in a more focused area within their fields.

1. Cardiothoracic surgeon: Manages conditions affecting organs in your chest
2. Colorectal surgeon: Manages conditions affecting your small intestine, colon, rectum and anus (butthole)
3. General surgeon: Does surgery on a wide range of conditions affecting many different areas of your body (many surgical specialists complete five years of general surgery training before pursuing sub-specialty training)
4. Gynecologic oncologist: Diagnoses and treats cancers affecting the female reproductive system
5. Neurosurgeon: Manages conditions affecting your brain, spinal cord and nerves
6. Obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN): Has expertise in both obstetrics and gynecology, cares for pregnant women, delivers babies (including by C-section) and manages conditions affecting the female reproductive system
7. Ophthalmologist: Delivers total eye care, including eye surgery
8. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon: Manages conditions and injuries affecting your maxillofacial area (jaws and lower face), roof of your mouth (palate) and teeth
9. Orthopedic surgeon: Manages conditions affecting your musculoskeletal system
10. Otolaryngologist: Manages conditions affecting your head and neck
11. Pediatric surgeon: Does surgeries in babies and children
12. Plastic surgeon: Does surgeries that restore function to areas of your body affected by congenital (present at birth) conditions, major illnesses or injuries
13. Urologist: Manages conditions affecting your urinary system, reproductive organs and adrenal glands
14. Vascular surgeon: Manages issues with your blood vessels

What training does a surgeon receive?

It takes years of extensive, rigorous training to become a surgeon. All surgeons in the U.S.:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree (typically four years)
2. Complete medical school or dental school, depending on the specialty (typically four years)
3. Complete a residency program (three to seven years, depending on the specialty)
4. Have the option of completing a fellowship in a chosen subspecialty (typically one to three years)
5. Take one or more exams to earn board certification

Surgeons — like all other medical professionals — engage in continuing education throughout their careers. This means they do things like attend conferences and take classes to keep up with the latest knowledge and technologies in their field.