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So You Want to Be a Surgeon

Section II: Surgical Specialties

In This Section:

To assist you in finding the best possible match for your surgery residency, information on the various surgical specialties is provided. These surgical specialty descriptions were developed from definitions set forth by the American Board of Medical Specialties, the nationally recognized authority on the topic.

You can also hear directly from surgeons and educators through the Explore Series, part of the ACS National Professional Development Seminars for Medical Students. These recorded panel discussions highlight surgical specialties and subspecialties and address topics such as training pathways, innovations in the field, work-life considerations, and the experiences that led panelists to choose their specialties.

As you review the training requirements for each specialty, keep in mind that residency represents only one stage of a surgical career. Although residency can be demanding, practicing surgeons often have greater flexibility and control over their schedules, responsibilities, and professional lives after completing their training.

 

General Surgery
Education

General Surgery

"General Surgery" is a discipline of surgery having a central core of knowledge embracing anatomy, physiology…
Neurological Surgery
Education

Neurological Surgery

Neurological Surgery provides the operative and nonoperative management of disorders of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetrician-gynecologists possess knowledge and skills in the medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders.
Ophthalmology
Education

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists are physicians specializing in the comprehensive medical and surgical care of the eyes and vision.

Orthopaedic Surgery
Education

Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgeons see an extremely diverse patient population, from children with spinal disorders to elderly patients with vertebral fractures.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Education

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Otolaryngologists treat diseases and disorders of the ears, respiratory and upper alimentary systems, and related structures of the head and neck.
Plastic Surgery
Education

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery deals with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function.
Rural Surgery Program
Education

Rural Surgery Program

The ACS's Rural Surgery Advisory Council has compiled a list of programs across the U.S. with a special focus on rural surgery.
Urology
Education

Urology

Urology is the medical and surgical specialty involving disorders of the genitourinary tract and the adrenal glands.
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Education

Colon and Rectal Surgery

Colon and rectal surgery is the specialty dedicated to treating the colon, rectum, anus, and pelvic floor.
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Education

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery involves the management and repair of the organs within the chest cavity and the chest wall.
Vascular Surgery
Education

Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgery focuses on the treatment of diseases affecting the arterial, venous, and lymphatic systems, excluding vessels of the brain and heart.
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