General Surgeon, Orthopedic Surgeon, or Plastic Surgeon???

Question

I want to be a surgeon but I don't know what kind of surgeon I want to be. I want one that has less on-call schedules and a very rewarding and good lifestyle? Tell me the pros and cons of each.

Answer 1

Plastic Surgeon. Most surgeries are paid in full prior to procedures. Most procedures are elective, therefore there are fewer on-call schedules (unless an emergency arises from a procedure). And certainly it brings about a rewarding and great lifestyle. I can't think of any cons. 2D

Answer 2

Absolutely depends on where you are at right now. I agree that many medical students find their chosen specialty during their rotations as students. Many who go in with pre-conceived notion of which specialty they will gravitate towards take an about turn once they get a taste of it and other specialties.

Typically all surgeons will start their careers (and many all through their careers) and will be 'on-call' to the ER on a rota. The frequency will depend on how many others in your specialty are int he same rota. Also the partners in a group will rotate 'on-call' duties, so larger groups will do less 'call' per member, but probably busier when one is on call.

Plastic surgeons do have on call rotas too. Many are called upon from the ER for lacerations/hand injuries/microsurgeries etc.... Yes, some choose to only do cosmetic surgery and don't have call etc.. But the majority of plastic surgeon do not limit themselves to cosmetic surgery only.

This subject  could go on.... and on.....

Answer 3

Are you in med school?  Have you done your rotations or residency yet?  If not, you really dont need to worry about specialty at this point.  If so, then one of them should have come out as interesting you more than the others.  Some people are very surprised when they discover that they like something that they never imagined that they would.