In a world where health and well-being have become paramount, the role of surgeons has never been more crucial. As skilled professionals who possess the knowledge and expertise to perform life-saving procedures, surgeons play a vital role in society.
If you have ever considered a career in medicine and aspire to make a difference in the lives of others, becoming a surgeon could be an excellent choice for you. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to become a successful surgeon in India.
How to Become a Surgeon, Step 1: NEET UG Exam
The NEET UG exam is the first step on your journey to becoming a surgeon. It stands for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate Courses and is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in India.
This exam is essential for aspiring doctors, as it serves as the gateway to MBBS and BDS courses offered by various medical colleges across the country.
Eligibility
To appear for the NEET UG exam, you must be at least 17 years old and have completed your 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
Syllabus
The NEET UG syllabus covers three main subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Some of the major topics included in these subjects are Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Organic Chemistry, Human Physiology, Genetics, Biotechnology, etc.
Exam Process
The NEET UG exam is usually held in May every year, and the application process begins in December. It consists of multiple-choice questions with a total of 180 questions. Each correct answer awards four marks, while each incorrect answer carries a penalty of one mark. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions.
How to Become a Surgeon, Step 2: MBBS Degree
To become a surgeon in India, it is necessary to obtain an MBBS degree.
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. It is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate course that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical training.
During your MBBS journey, you will learn various subjects that form the foundation of medical education. These include Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Obstetrics and gynaecology, Paediatrics, Surgery, Medicine, etc.
After completing your MBBS degree, you can choose from a range of specialisations to further enhance your surgical skills. Some popular specialisations include:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Urology
How to Become a Surgeon, Step 3: NEET PG Exam
Once you have completed your MBBS degree and decided to pursue a career in surgery, clearing the NEET PG exam becomes crucial.
NEET PG stands for National Eligibility and Entrance Test for Postgraduate Courses. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is the gateway to various postgraduate medical courses in India.
Specialisations such as General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat), Ophthalmology, etc., require a NEET PG score for admission.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the NEET PG exam, you must have completed your MBBS degree and an internship on or before the specified date.
Syllabus
The syllabus of NEET PG covers all major subjects taught during MBBS, along with topics specific to each specialisation. Some of the subjects included in the syllabus are Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, etc.
Exam Process
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions with one correct answer out of four options. The marking scheme awards four marks for each correct answer and deducts one mark as a penalty for each incorrect response.
How to Become a Surgeon, Step 4: Pick a Specialisation
Surgery offers various specialisations that allow you to focus on specific areas of expertise. Here are some popular options you can consider, as they offer rewarding career paths with excellent growth opportunities.
- Cardiac Surgery: As a cardiac surgeon, you will perform surgeries related to the heart and blood vessels. This includes procedures like bypass surgery and valve replacement. Cardiac surgeons have high earning potential and contribute significantly to saving lives.
- Neurosurgery: Neurosurgeons specialise in surgeries of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. They treat conditions like brain tumours, spinal deformities, and trauma-related injuries. This specialisation requires exceptional precision and skills.
- Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic surgeons diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions such as fractures, joint disorders, and sports injuries. They perform surgeries like joint replacements, arthroscopy, and spine surgeries.
- Plastic Surgery: Plastic surgeons focus on reconstructive and cosmetic procedures to enhance appearance or repair defects caused by birth defects, accidents, or diseases. They perform surgeries like breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose job), and liposuction.
Other specialisations include general surgery, breast surgery, and dental surgery.
Upgrade Your Skills As a Surgeon
To stay competitive in the field of surgery and enhance your skills, you can consider pursuing certification courses related to your specialisation. These courses provide advanced training in specific areas of surgery, allowing you to expand your knowledge and expertise.
For example, if you are interested in orthopaedic surgery, you can pursue certification courses in arthroscopy or joint replacement techniques. Similarly, if you specialise in plastic surgery, you can opt for courses that focus on advanced cosmetic procedures or reconstructive techniques.
By investing your time in these certification courses, you not only gain valuable knowledge but also increase your earning potential as a surgeon. Employers often value additional certifications as they demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Kickstart Your Career as a Surgeon
Becoming a surgeon is a rewarding and fulfilling career path that offers immense job satisfaction along with financial stability.
WIZR is here to guide you through this process, providing valuable insights and assisting you in finding the right certification courses to upgrade your skills. Get ready to embark on an exciting career as a surgeon!
FAQs
1. How much time should you give to preparing for NEET UG?
To prepare for NEET UG effectively, it is recommended to dedicate at least one year of focused preparation. Create a study schedule, cover all subjects thoroughly, solve practice papers regularly, and revise consistently.
2. Is an MS degree enough to get into a super-specialty hospital?
No, an MS degree alone may not be sufficient to get into a super-specialty hospital. Specialised hospitals often require surgeons to have completed advanced training programmes like MCh or DNB in their respective specialisations.
3. Can you pursue a surgical career without clearing NEET PG?
No, clearing NEET PG is mandatory to pursue a surgical career in India.
4. Which are the highest-paid surgeon jobs?
Some of the highest-paid surgeon jobs in India include cardiac surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, and plastic surgeons. Salaries can range from ₹20 lakh to ₹2 crore per annum, depending on experience and expertise.
5. Can WIZR help me with financial assistance to pursue a career in surgery?
Yes, WIZR provides financing options for young professionals seeking career-focused upskilling and certification programmes in any industry.
