Career Essay Sample: Pediatric Surgeon
What is a pediatric surgeon? According to eapsa.org, “Surgeons who specialize in general surgery often provide surgical care for children, and they are fully qualified to perform many operations on children” (eapsa.org). The word “pediatric” means a branch of some kind of medicine for children. HealthyChildern.org states, “Surgical problems seen by pediatric surgeons are often quite different from those commonly seen by adult or general surgeons” (HealthyChildren.org). A pediatric surgeon is a surgeon who specializes in operating on kids.
In order to work in the medical field, a significant amount of schooling is required. So, how are pediatric surgeons trained and certified? According to eapsa.org, “Pediatric surgeons must have graduated from an accredited medical school” (eapsa.org). An accredited medical school is one that counts toward your Doctor of Medicine degree. Learn.org states, “The first step of pediatric surgeon schooling is to obtain an undergraduate degree. Along with general educational requirements outlined by the college or university, you will take courses designed specifically for your major. You are strongly encouraged to consider a science major, such as biology or chemistry, or a pre-med major. It typically takes four years to complete an undergraduate program” (Learn.org). At the end of the four years of undergraduate work, a student must take a medical exam in order to get into medical school. Medical schools are similar to full-time jobs. However, the difference is students have to work their way out of medical school by following other doctors to learn what they are required to do. Medical school takes up to four years to complete. Learn.org says, “After medical school, you must enter a residency program in general surgery. Such programs generally take five years to complete and are designed to give you a thorough background in preparing for and conducting common and complex surgeries” (Learn.org). After a student’s residency has been completed, a pediatric surgeon has to become certified. In total, becoming a pediatric surgeon can take up to 15 years of schooling.
Becoming a pediatric surgeon takes time and dedication, so why not get paid for the work a surgeon performs? An average salary for a pediatric surgeon is $461,287 per year (salary.com). By the hour, pediatric surgeons make an average hourly pay of $222 (salary.com). The higher- ranked surgeons who typically have more experience often make more money. The current entry rate for pediatric fellowships is 34 students per year (pubmed.gov). The number of pediatric surgeons is expected to grow through 2030 and then slow after 2035. This means that the number of pediatric surgeon positions will slow down and the job will be harder to achieve.
Pediatric surgeons need to know how to speak English and understand how to interpret those who have trouble speaking. It is important to know that many people enter into surgery stressed or traumatized, so opening oneself up to the patient makes it easier for the patient to communicate. Pediatric surgeons should also know how to have patience with their patients, because the majority of the patients will be young. Although not all of the patients are young, it is important to remain patient, especially when they are both preparing for and recovering from surgery. Surgery for anyone can be stressful and intimidating. However, surgery for children can be incredibly scary with so many unknowns, so being able to communicate clearly and thoughtfully will make for a successful pediatric surgeon.
To conclude, pediatric surgeons play a very important role in the medical field. They are the main surgeon for children. Becoming a pediatric surgeon takes time and commitment, so it is not a profession that one just falls into everyday. Pediatric surgeons put their lives on the line for young kids. The profession benefits from a strong salary. However, the occupation also requires a lot of hard work in terms of becoming and maintaining the role.
