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Being a resident and completing your surgery residency, consider it as a significant milestone that only comes after years of dedication and relentless study. Giving your study long hours, mastering some of the complex procedures. You know what a surgical residency program is: a structured, comprehensive training period that is usually 5–7 years, where medical students learn everything, whether it’s tthe echnical and clinical aspects of general surgery. It’s often one of the most demanding postgraduate training programs.
However, there are so many medical graduates now questioning themselves, asking the crucial question: “What now?”
In this blog, you can explore the various paths a surgeon can take after completing their residency, from fellowships and private practice to research and academic careers.
Basically, what are the options?
Fellowship Training (Subspecialisation)
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Trauma and Critical Care
Joining any hospital
Some of the surgery residents go straight for clinical practice for learning practically, as they may work there as a:-
- In academic medical shops/centres
- Join in multispeciality group practice
- Join private hospitals for internships
- Get training in government or public health hospitals.
They can start a private practice
Surgical residents can start an ambitious path, like opening a private surgical practice, as they offer:-
- Greater autonomy
- Flexible scheduling
- Direct patient relationships
- Usually getting a higher income
Residents can pursue an academic career
- If you do like teaching, then there is a teaching career you can go for. This usually includes;
- You can teach medical students
- You may go for conducting clinical or translational research
- Publishing in journals.
- For gaining extra knowledge, you can attend national, international conferences or residency programs.
Making the right choice: Things you need to consider
After becoming a doctor, it is essential to decide the right path for yourself.
- You have to decide what your passion is! Like, in what area of surgery are you interested in.
- Question yourself how many hours you are willing to do your work. Just know about your flexibility.
- Aim for your income goal, whether you want a high-paying private setup or a balanced one.
- Your next step should be, “Will your next step support your personal life?
- Your long-term vision.
Conclusion
You know what is no single “right” path after surgery residency. Whether you choose to become a subspecialist, join a hospital, dive into academics, or travel the world to offer surgical care to the needy. Your journey could be vast, just choose the right path to do all this.
Remember: you’ve already done the hard part by becoming a surgeon. Now it’s time to build a career that reflects your values, skills, and dreams.
