# How to Become a Surgeon Doctor: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Are you considering a career as a surgeon doctor? Becoming a surgeon doctor requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to continuing education. Becoming a surgeon doctor involves several steps, such as obtaining a medical degree, completing residency and fellowship training, obtaining licensure, and obtaining board certification. This comprehensive guide will provide an overview of the steps you need to take to become a surgeon doctor.
## What Does a Surgeon Doctor Do?
A surgeon doctor is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating medical conditions through surgical procedures. Surgeon doctors are highly trained medical professionals who can perform a wide range of surgical procedures, from simple outpatient surgeries to complex organ transplant operations. Surgeon doctors must have a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology, and they must be able to make quick and accurate decisions in the operating room.
## What Education and Training is Required to Become a Surgeon Doctor?
Becoming a surgeon doctor requires a significant amount of education and training. The first step is to obtain a medical degree (MD or DO), which typically takes four years to complete. After obtaining a medical degree, the aspiring surgeon doctor must complete a five-year residency program in general surgery. During the residency, the aspiring surgeon doctor will obtain specialized training in a particular area of surgery, such as cardiovascular, orthopedic, or plastic surgery. After completing a residency, the aspiring surgeon doctor may choose to pursue a fellowship program in a subspecialty, such as pediatric surgery, trauma surgery, or transplant surgery.
## What Licenses and Certifications Do I Need to Become a Surgeon Doctor?
In order to practice as a surgeon doctor, you must obtain a medical license from your state’s medical board. After obtaining a medical license, you must become board certified by a specialty board. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the organization that is responsible for certifying medical specialists, including surgeons. The board certification process typically involves passing examinations and completing a specific number of training hours in the specialty.
## Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Surgeon Doctor
### FAQs on Becoming a Surgeon Doctor
**Q1: How long does it take to become a surgeon doctor?**
A1: It typically takes around 11 years to become a surgeon doctor, including four years to obtain a medical degree, five years of residency training, and two years of fellowship training.
**Q2: What is the difference between a general surgeon and a specialist surgeon?**
A2: A general surgeon is a medical professional who performs a wide range of surgical procedures. A specialist surgeon has completed additional education and training in a particular area of surgery, such as cardiovascular surgery or plastic surgery.
**Q3: What is the difference between a medical license and a board certification?**
A3: A medical license is required in order to practice medicine in a particular state. Board certification is an additional credential that is obtained after passing examinations and completing a specific number of training hours in a particular specialty.
**Q4: What are the benefits of becoming a surgeon doctor?**
A4: Becoming a surgeon doctor is a rewarding and fulfilling career. Surgeon doctors have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and to work with cutting-edge technology. Additionally, surgeons earn a competitive salary and have the potential to advance in their field.
**Q5: What type of personality is best suited for a career as a surgeon doctor?**
A5: Surgeon doctors must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and have excellent problem-solving skills. They must also be able to work under pressure, have excellent communication skills, and have a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology.
Conclusion
Becoming a surgeon doctor is an exciting and rewarding career. It requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to continuing education. This guide provided an overview of the steps you need to take to become a surgeon doctor, including obtaining a medical degree, completing residency and fellowship training, obtaining licensure, and obtaining board certification. With the right education and training, you can become a successful surgeon doctor.
