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How to Write a General Surgeon Job Description Sample

A General Surgeon, or Surgeon, is a Doctor who performs medical operations on patients and has specialized knowledge of surgical procedures. Their duties include diagnosing illnesses and injuries, advising patients about the best treatments, and updating and maintaining medical records.

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What does a General Surgeon do?

General Surgeons can work in hospitals or outpatient clinics. They have extensive surgical knowledge, and they can perform head and neck surgery, pediatric surgery, gynecological surgery, procedures on the digestive tract, and more. General Surgeons often perform emergency procedures when more specialized Surgeons aren’t available, but some may limit their practices to one subspecialty. All General Surgeons work with Nurses, Anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to treat patients. They spend some of their time in an operating room and some seeing patients before and after procedures to prepare them and make sure they heal properly.

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General Surgeon duties and responsibilities

Some General Surgeons conduct laparoscopic and other minimally-invasive procedures. Others perform more invasive surgeries repairing injuries or removing diseased tissue. They often order lab tests before and after the procedure for more accurate comparison. Duties and responsibilities in a general Surgeon job description may include:

  • Conducting routine exams
  • Using surgical tools
  • Following procedures to maintain a sterile surgical environment
  • Conducting biopsies and examining tissue samples
  • Administering medications
  • Explaining medical procedures and instructing patients about how they can care for themselves after surgery
  • Consulting with other Doctors
  • Conducting medical research

General Surgeon skills and qualifications

Successful General Surgeons have a broad combination of social and technical skills. They can get along well with patients and perform complex procedures. Top skills and qualifications for General Surgeons include:

  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
  • Good computer and data entry skills
  • Plenty of planning, time management, and organizational skills
  • Extensive understanding of biology, human anatomy, and surgical procedures
  • Ability to make rational decisions quickly in a high-pressure environment
  • Ability to remember details about many patients’ medical histories

General Surgeon experience requirements

In Canada, General Surgeons must complete at least 36 months of general surgery rotations as part of a residency program. They must spend at least 12 months of that time as Senior or Chief Resident.

General Surgeon education and training requirements

General Surgeon positions require a medical school degree and the completion of a five-year residency program. Subspecialties like thoracic or cardiovascular surgery require two additional years of training. All General Surgeons must pass an exam from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. To maintain their certifications, they have to complete continuing education courses each year.

General Surgeon salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, average salary for a General Surgeon in Canada is $223,114 per year. Individual salary will vary depending on experience, education levels, the company, and the location.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a General Surgeon isn’t exactly what your company is looking for, some other job description samples include:

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General Surgeon job description FAQs

What medical procedures do General Surgeons usually do?

General Surgeons can perform a wide range of procedures such as trauma surgery, breast surgery for cancer and other diseases, and surgery for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, including the liver and pancreas. General Surgeons often perform gallbladder, bile duct, hernia, and abdominal wall surgery as well. They also participate in Caesarian sections and surgeries for appendicitis, sepsis, and organ transplants.

Who does a General Surgeon report to?

A General Surgeon usually reports to the Chief Administrator, CEO, or President and board members of the hospital or clinic where they work. Some General Surgeons run their own outpatient clinics, but they often spend some of their time working for a nearby hospital to retain admitting privileges for patients. General Surgeons also collaborate with Anesthesiologists, Oncologists, Cardiologists, and many other specialists.

What's a typical day like for a General Surgeon?

General Surgeons split their time between office and surgical facilities. They see patients who make appointments before and after surgery, and they make regular rounds to check on people while they recover from procedures. They spend some of their time on call for emergency procedures as well. General Surgeons need excellent manual dexterity, and they often sit and stand for long periods while seeing patients and conducting surgeries. Student Doctors and Nurses often observe procedures by General Surgeons.

What makes a good General Surgeon job description?

An appealing General Surgeon job description outlines the hospital or clinic’s history, culture, and values. It also lets people know the location where they will work, whether travel is required, the equipment and facilities they will have access to, and the surgical procedures that the facility handles most often. Mention any benefits that come with the position, like a flexible schedule, paid vacation time, or the opportunity to work with more experienced Surgeons and other specialists.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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