Surgeon
A highly specialised and skilled profession involving the treatment and repair of injuries and diseases.
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right now
Job growth
-
5-year projection
Salary
-
Typical salary
Job satisfaction
-
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right now
Salary
-
Typical salary
Job growth
-
5-year projection
Job satisfaction
-
What's it like to be a Surgeon?
Surgeons treat, repair and resolve injuries, diseases and abnormalities by operating on patients using a range of equipment, instruments and methods.
Tasks and duties
- Consulting and examining patients to learn about their medical history, current condition, allergies and medical challenges in order to determine the need for surgery and decide on an appropriate procedure.
- Operating on patients to treat disease, injury and deformities using specialised instruments and equipment, while overseeing the operating room, staff and equipment.
- Recommending appropriate post-operative care, following up with the patient and their family and completing medical records.
Surgery is a highly specialised and demanding field of medicine, and surgeons must be able to work well under pressure, have excellent communication skills and a high level of compassion.Surgeons can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health settings, in a group or private practice.
How to become a Surgeon
Becoming a Surgeon in Australia requires many years of formal training. You will need to complete a medical degree and gain experience working in a hospital before starting specialty postgraduate training.
- Complete an accredited medical degree such as a Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine. This typically takes 6 years of full-time study. Alternatively, if you have already completed a related undergraduate degree, complete a Doctor of Medicine. This typically takes 4 years of full-time study.
- Complete a 1-year internship before applying for general registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
- Complete an additional 1-2 years of training as a Resident.
- Apply to enter the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ Surgical Education and Training (SET) program in one of 9 surgical specialities. This training includes a series of clinical placements, short courses, research and assessments, and typically takes 5 or 6 years to complete.
- On successful completion of this specialty training, you will become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and will be accredited to practise independently as a Surgeon.
Latest Surgeon jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Surgeon jobs on SEEK right now.
Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Surgeon employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas.
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
Did you find this helpful?
Subscribe to Career Advice
Get expert career advice delivered to your inbox.
You can cancel emails at any time. By clicking ‘subscribe’ you agree to SEEK’s Privacy Statement.