The First Cut: Exploring the World of Surgery for Potential Pre-Med Students

Summary:

There is a growing need for surgeons. Although the journey through med school and residency is highly challenging, the effort is worth it for those who have a passion for this specialty. This article offers the seven steps you’ll need to take to become a surgeon.

Key Points:

1. Take STEM classes in high school.
2. Earn your bachelor’s degree with a pre-med track.
3. Take the MCAT.
4. Apply to medical school.
5. Complete your USMLE 
6. Match to a surgical residency.
7. Consider a fellowship.

The COVID pandemic changed just about everything. Not only were businesses and schools affected, but healthcare has experienced significant shortages in a whole range of disciplines: nurses, physicians, even surgeons. As the population ages (particularly Boomers), the need for talented surgeons is increasing. But surgeons are aging too, adding to the dilemma.

Here’s what we know.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, “the U.S. could see an estimated shortage of between 15,800 and 30,200 specialty surgeons by 2034.” Adds President and CEO David J Skorton M.D., “The pandemic also has underscored the vital role that physicians and surgeons play in our nation's healthcare infrastructure and the need to ensure we have enough to meet America’s needs.”

If you are a high school student with a passion for medicine, and think you have what it takes to be a surgeon, here are some things you need to know about this competitive profession that is on the hunt for new talent in the various surgeon specialties. 

What are the different kinds of surgeons?

Surgeons specialize in four main areas:

1. General
2. Critical care
3. Orthopedic
4. Neurosurgeon

Their schedules, responsibilities, and hours can differ greatly depending on their speciality.

Surgeons work in private practice and hospitals, and often remain on call during their off hours. Some spend most of their time in the operating room, and work shifts ranging from 12 to 28 hours.

Know this: surgery is a high stakes, high stress career. Talented surgeons tend to be team players, problem solvers, quick thinkers, and strong decision makers who are able to learn new skills and embrace challenges.

But what are their primary responsibilities?

Primary responsibilities of surgeons

There are a number of general responsibilities that all surgeons share. They include: 

• Diagnose preoperative conditions and design a plan.
• Discuss with the patient the details of the surgery and how to prepare.
• Lead the surgical team when performing the operation.
• Provide post-operative treatment and care including pain management, wound care, and any post-operative treatment.
• Keep abreast of new techniques and advancements in the field.

But what steps are required to receive a degree in surgery?

Seven key steps to becoming a surgeon

It can take more than 13 years to become a surgeon, however these are among the most critical and best compensated professionals in the world of medicine. A surgeon's work life is often stressful, but it is also rewarding on professional, personal, and financial levels. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to become a surgeon:

1. Take STEM classes in high school: If you are thinking about medicine for your future, take STEM classes as early as possible. For instance, Prelum offers courses for teens interested in a pre-med major. We recommend that students enroll in hard science subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, and physiology. 
2. Earn a bachelor’s degree with a pre-med track: This is a first step for aspiring surgeons. Most who plan on applying to med school major in topics like biology and chemistry. You’ll need to complete all required courses in your school’s pre-med track to ensure you meet admission requirements for medical school.
3. Take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT): This should happen during your junior or senior undergraduate studies. The MCAT tests your knowledge in four areas:
   - Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems. 
   - Chemical and physician foundations of biological systems.
   - Psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior.
   - Critical analysis and reasoning skills.
   The test includes 230 multiple-choice questions and takes from seven to eight hours to complete. Your target score depends on the selectivity of your desired med school.
4. Apply to medical school: Typically a four-year endeavor, med school programs include two years of theoretical and classroom-based coursework, in addition to labs. The next two years include clinical rotations in different medical fields This is critical in helping you pick a specialty.
5. Find your surgical residency match and get licensed: After earning your M.D., you’ll need to match into a surgical residency. This process uses an algorithm that looks at the preferences of both students and residency programs to find the best pairings. A typical surgical residency takes five years to complete, however specialties like neurosurgery can take as many as seven. 
6. Complete your United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE): During your residency, you’ll complete the three steps of the USMLE to become licensed.
7. Consider a fellowship: A post-residency fellowship can help you hone your skills and knowledge in your chosen surgical field. These can last three years.

This may sound like a big commitment, and it is. However, if surgery is truly where you see your future, why not test out your commitment while you are still in high school? Taking college prep courses is a great place to start. 

Begin your surgery learning experience while still in high school

Prelum offers a variety of college prep courses online in medicine and surgery. Here are a few examples.

Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Program offers online medicine programs you’ll want to check out. In addition to courses in medicine, medical research, and nursing, Georgetown offers a course in surgery entitled Becoming a Surgeon: Skills, Specialties, and Diseases. This course is for anyone who is drawn to the challenge of diagnosing a disease and treating it through surgery. Study diseases of the abdomen, create your own model of the vascular system, and watch a tour of a real operating room. 

Northwestern University is another Prelum partner school. As part of their pre-college online course they offer, Concepts of Biology. Plus, you’ll want to consider our online course, including Medical Research: Evaluating Claims and Facts. You’ll look at the role of research in articles that make medical claims and share findings. Does the media get it right? Become a critical consumer of medical research and recognize the importance of ethics.

Recently added to the list of Ivy League schools, Rice University is a valued Prelum partner school. The Rice University Precollege Program includes two online medicine courses. Choose between Genome Engineering: Changing the Future of Medicine, and Medicine: Diagnostics, Treatment, and Patient Care. Both courses delve into the many advances we are seeing in the world of medicine, and are taught by renowned Rice faculty. 

And don’t miss out on the University of Rochester’s pre-college online course, Orthopedic Medicine: Treatments & Surgery. You’ll study arthritis, osteoporosis, cracks, breaks, and cancers that affect the joints and skeletal system. Learn the broad range of operative and non-operative conditions and discover if a future in orthopedic medicine is for you.

For more on everything Prelum has to offer, check out all of our partner schools and courses designed specifically for motivated high school students.