There are options in becoming surgeon, such as working privately or working for the National Health Service (NHS). There are disadvantages and advantages of working in both areas. The advantage of being a private worker is that you will gain more money, because most people will go to the NHS.
The advantage of working in the NHS is you will always be working. The disadvantage of working in the NHS is most hospitals have MRSA which is a bacteria infections. There are few drugs which can cure this. If is safer to work privately because of this.
Health and Safety
Health and safety regulations are applied when you become a surgeon. You will have to have suitable clothing all the time during surgery such as gloves, masks and protective overalls.. You have to wear gloves to avoid getting infected from the patients and infecting them. Wearing masks avoids accidents such as blood being squirt onto your face whilst in surgery because of the germs. You have to wear clothes such as overalls which straight away after will be put in the laundry to be washed and cleaned ready for use next time. Gloves and masks are incinerated to micro organisms spreading, such as viruses.
Qualifications
Surgeons have to have really good A-level grades and a degree at university. To get into university you need A levels and to get a placement at college you will need to get at least 5 GCSEs Cs or above.
A medical degree lasts five years followed by several more years gaining practical experience as a Junior House Doctor at a hospital.
Tools
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery has many procedures. Cosmetic surgery is one of the most common surgeries that women have done. Women who do cosmetics could have many reasons also mean, this could be to look better or because of the health risk. For example
- Nose Reshaping mostly Nose jobs (Rhinoplasty)
- Male Chest Reduction
- Fat Removal (Liposuction)
- Face/Neck lift
- Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty)
I decided to look at a specific cosmetic surgery procedure in more detail. This will be Fat removal (Liposuction).
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgery done to remove excess subcutaneous fat (from below the skin). Most people tend to have surgery on the abdomen and some, times a double chin. To be able to do this surgery your body mass index (BMI) needs to be checked and assessed by a doctor to see if your suitable for the procedure. There is a limit to how much fat can be removed at one time. This type of surgery is not suitable for people with weight problems e.g. overweight.
What does Liposuction Surgery involve?
Liposuction is a procedure in which localised deposits of fat are removed to recontour one or more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube (cannula) is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out by a vacuum pump or large syringe.
The incision sites will be carefully chosen so that scarring is inconspicuous as possible. Naturally fluid is lost along with the fat. To prevent shock, patients are carefully monitored and given intravenous fluids during and immediately after liposuction surgery.
What will happen in the Recovery period?
Bruising and swelling can be present for 2-4 weeks dependent upon the quantity of fat that is removed and the patient’s own healing rate. Any discomfort or pain can be relieved by painkillers and gentle walking. A supportive elastic will be worn day and night for 3 weeks and after that for a further 3 weeks during the day. Scars will be small and will fade in time, and you will have follow-up visits in the months after surgery to check on your progress.
This image shows the process:
This information was taken from: http://www.cosmeticsurgeryconsultants.co.uk/Liposuction.html
Cardiothoracic surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery is a surgical specialty, which involves the diagnosis and management of surgical conditions of the heart, lungs and oesophagus. Part of the specialty is the transplantation of both heart and lungs which is practiced in only eight specialised centres in the United Kingdom.
Cardiothoracic surgery is a testing, technical specialty which combines a need for understanding of cardiovascular and respiratory anatomy and physiology, cardiac and thoracic pathology and a need to be technically able. The most common operation performed is coronary artery bypass grafting in cardiac surgery (75%) and the other work in cardiac surgery is largely valve operations. The most common thoracic operation is lobectomy or pneumonectomy for carcinoma of the lung. The specialty includes a need to be competent and able on the intensive care unit for the post operative care of these patients. There are many research opportunities in this specialty and it is expected that trainees will participate in research projects.
Consultant cardiothoracic surgeons operate usually about three days per week, have one out patient clinic and are generally on call one in three or square in four. In addition there may be a commitment to cardiothoracic transplantation and the care of cardiothoracic trauma. Consultants generally tend to develop expertise in particular areas of the specialty. Consultants tend to divide into three groups, cardiac surgeons, thoracic surgeons and combined cardiothoracic surgeons.
This information was taken from: http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=587
The image was taken from: http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/cardiothoracicsurgery/coronaryarterybypass/images/heartv3.jpg
A Surgeons experience and journey to becoming a surgeon.
Sharon Morris is an ophthalmic surgeon working at the Sussex Eye hospital. She performs eye operations and manages treatment for patients via daily clinics.
How would you outline your role?
I manage the care of patients with eye problems. This involves assessing patients during a clinic consultation and prescribing eye medication, plus performing operations such as cataract removal.
What is your daily/weekly routine?
A typical day starts at 8.00 a.m. with a pre-operative ward round with the consultant in charge. I’ll get patient’s official consent for surgery, explain the procedures and prepare their eyes in readiness for the operation. I’ll then review any patients admitted with eye problems under my consultant’s care.
Surgery starts at 8.30 a.m. - and I will usually perform at least two of the operations. I finish my operating theatre duties by lunchtime. I’ll then sort out patient letters and cases that need further discussion, arrange theatre notes and draw up patient lists for the next day. The afternoon clinic starts at 2.00 p.m., when I’ll see around 15 patients and manage their treatments. The day usually finishes at 5.00 p.m., unless I’m on-call.
What hours do you work?
I work 56 hours a week - usually 8.5 hours each day, plus the on-call shifts. During the on-call shifts I try to get some sleep whenever possible as I need to start the normal working hours the next day. I’m on-call one night a week and one weekend a month, seeing emergency eye patients or covering telephone calls from home.
What's your working environment like?
Everyone works together and it is very educational. I have to make speedy decisions on patients and problem-solve effectively. It can be fast-paced and always busy.
Who do you work with?
I work with nurses, administrative staff, other surgeons, medical students and volunteers. I also work closely with operating department staff and healthcare assistants.
What special skills or qualities do you need for your job?
Medical school requires a certain ability to be able to retain knowledge quickly as there is a vast amount to learn. You need to be dedicated, determined and career-minded, as well as being a team player and able to problem-solve. You need to study to become a surgeon, often when your friends are having fun, and you need support from others such as your partner and family.
Why did you choose this type of work?
I find the work satisfying, enjoyable and rewarding. There’s a great deal of variation in surgery and you continue to learn on the job.
What training have you done?
As well as five years of medical school, I’ve taken three specialist ophthalmology exams plus on-the-job training and assignments.
Do you use any tools or equipment?
I use a lot of specialist eye equipment such as lenses to view the back of the eye, slit-lamp examination microscopes and phaco-emulsification machines in theatre to perform cataract surgery.
What do you like about your job?
I like operating in the theatre and working on a variety of cases as well as having constant challenges as each patient is different.
How do you see your future?
Exciting – and being able to develop skills and progress as a surgeon.
Sharon’s route
- A levels.
- Five year medical degree.
- Pre-registration working as a house doctor.
- Pre-registration as a house surgeon.
- Senior house officer in a hospital’s accident & emergency department.
- Ophthalmology positions at various hospitals.
Sharon’s tips
- Ensure you’ve really thought about the length of training, number of exams and study required.
- Surgery is very competitive, so you must be prepared to put in that extra effort to get noticed.
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Salary information
Salaries of surgeons vary depending on the area they specialise in and whether they are working in the NHS (National Health Service) or private sector. Senior house officers earn £24,587 to £34,477 a year. Specialist registrars get between £27,483 and £41,733. Basic consultant salaries can reach £90,838 plus out of hours supplements. Merit awards are given to a small number of surgeons each year, and with a maximum merit award it is possible for an NHS surgical consultant to earn around £159,000.
Getting in
- Most of the 14,000 surgeons in the UK work in the public sector.
- Prospective surgeons must study for a medical degree recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC). Entry can be by A level or equivalent or after a degree. Some medical schools require science A levels, others do not and a pre-med year is available to students who need to undertake science study before embarking on the medical degree.
- There are opportunities for graduates to enter a medical degree and to take an accelerated course lasting four years. Non-science graduates may be accepted onto medical courses. They may be asked to sit tests to establish their ability to cope with scientific work.
- Admissions tutors also consider the candidate's personal skills and qualities to assess their suitability for the rigours of the course and the demands of a medical career. They look for a responsible attitude, personal integrity and good communication skills.
Page 1-Title page
Page 2-Inroduction
Page 3-Salary
Page 4-Health and Safety, tools
Page 5- Qualifications
Page 6- Liposuction
Page 7-9 – Interview with a surgeon
List of Reference
