Surgery is a branch of medicine in which diseases are treated with operative procedures. The ever growing complexity of medical practice has led to increasing doctor specialization and this is particularly evident for surgeons. There are currently nine officially recognized surgical specialties and a myriad of subspecialties. Surgery is very ‘hands on’ and surgeons feel the technical challenge to be one of the more rewarding aspects of their career.

Many surgical procedures have immediate and dramatic impacts on patient’s health and quality of life. Removing a grumbling appendix or meningioma successfully will save a patient’s life and the results are more immediately apparent than administering a vaccine which may just as essential. Those considering a surgical career need to be dedicated and driven given life as a surgeon, particularly during surgical training, can exert both a physical and mental strain. High workloads and increasing concerns over medical litigation may be stressful for surgeons and their families. Nonetheless, the clear majority of surgeons are happy with their career choice and would choose it again.

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