A Closer Look at The Field of General Surgery
General surgery, contrary to what most believe, is actually a specialty in the surgical arena. General surgeons conduct a huge array of surgeries for common ailments but are ideally play a duty in patient care before, during and after surgical procedures. All surgeons, including those who specialize in other fields, must start their training in general surgery.
So, what’s included in General Surgery?
Well, in the USA, the American Board of Surgery mandates general surgeons to be trained in the operation of the abdomen and its contents, the alimentary tract, the endocrine system as well as skin, breast and soft tissue.
Additionally, general surgeons need to have experience and knowledge in surgical oncology, trauma and surgical critical care.
Even though they are referred to as general surgeons, these professionals are highly skilled practitioners that usually handle common abdominal issues like hernias, appendicitis, stomach, gallbladder and intestinal issues. However, the focus on the abdominal region isn’t absolute as general surgeons ideally handle other types of surgery like
A Closer Look at The Field of General Surgery
General surgery, contrary to what most believe, is actually a speciality in the surgical arena. General surgeons conduct a huge array of surgeries for common ailments but are ideally play a duty in patient care before, during and after surgical procedures. All surgeons, including those who specialize in other fields, must start their training in general surgery.
So, what’s included in General Surgery?
Well, the American Board of Surgery mandates general surgeons to be trained in the operation of the abdomen and its contents, the alimentary tract, the endocrine system as well as skin, breast and soft tissue.
Additionally, general surgeons need to have experience and knowledge in surgical oncology, trauma and surgical critical care.
Even though they are referred to as general surgeons, these professionals are highly skilled practitioners that usually handle common abdominal issues like hernias, appendicitis, stomach, gallbladder and intestinal issues. However, the focus on the abdominal region isn’t absolute as general surgeons ideally handle other types of surgery like treating burns and cancer.
Why Do Some Doctors Opt for General Surgery?
As mentioned above, you will come across general surgeons who operate in an array of surgical procedures. The broad nature of their education is what allows them to be able to conduct numerous procedures in their profession. Some surgeons decide to specialize in other intricate areas such as neurosurgery, while others tend to feel more comfortable with the huge array of opportunities in their profession, thus sticking to general surgery.
General surgeons have the flexibility to work in an array of settings, with varying teams and patients, which is a benefit if you ever feel the need to switch up. According to the American Board of Surgery, general surgeons need to have the skills and knowledge of diseases that require team-based interdisciplinary care as well as leadership competency. They also need to have the knowledge of distinct clinical needs of several patient groups including:
- Morbidly Obese Patients: For invasive and non-invasive interventions for weight loss as well as counseling the patients and their loved ones.
- Terminally Ill Patients: knowledge for pain management and palliative care, cachexia in people with chronic and malignant conditions, nutritional deficiency as well as support, counseling and care.
- Geriatric Surgical Patients: For management of comorbid chronic conditions.
- Culturally diverse as well as vulnerable individuals.
In conclusion, a general surgeon is simply a surgeon with excellent skills and the term general shouldn’t be perceived as a lack of specific training. It is preferable to think of general surgeons as practitioners who specialize in common procedures like appendectomies and the others that we have mentioned in this read. Yes, in order to specialize in a certain domain in surgery you need more training, but general surgeons play a crucial role in the health care world, a role that would otherwise leave many individuals in the country and all over the world suffering.