Written by: Thisandi Male Pathiranage
Edited by: Chantelle and Angela
Career Description
Trauma surgeons are also referred to as critical and acute care surgeons. They specialize in performing emergency trauma surgeries on patients who have undergone a critical physical injury or illness. Trauma surgery is a subspecialty of surgery, primarily focused on acute care. Patients may require further treatment from other specialists depending on the specific injury sustained. Trauma surgeons are required to perform emergency treatment procedures on a multitude of injuries and conditions, including blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, and burns. Injuries pertaining to the neck, chest, abdomen, and other extremities are most frequently addressed by trauma surgery. General emergency conditions, as well as acute and surgical critical care conditions, are treated by trauma surgeons. Trauma surgeries typically include surgeries on the colon, pancreas, spleen, and stomach.
Expectations and Skills Required
As a trauma surgeon, a certain skill set is required in order to succeed. A career as a trauma surgeon is ideal for those who are quick decision-makers, and effective at executing their plans without hesitation. Those who have an appreciation for working within fast-paced, high-intensity environments will enjoy a career in trauma surgery. Collaborative skills are also imperative, as surgery requires coordination with colleagues in other departments to ensure the best outcome. As a trauma surgeon, one can expect to have a shift work-type schedule. This specialty is perfect for those who wish to maintain a steady work-life balance in order to make time for commitments outside of surgical practice.
Average Salary Range
The average yearly salary range for a trauma surgeon is between $239, 183 and $507, 143 in the United States. The median salary falls at around $367, 400 per year (USD). In Canada, the average yearly salary range is between $241, 428 and $511, 903. The median salary falls at around $370, 809 per year (CAD).
Educational Steps
In order to become a trauma surgeon, 12-15 years must be spent in post-secondary education. These years are divided into four stages. The first requirement is for an individual to obtain their bachelor’s degree. Typically, individuals tend to major in biology, pre-medicine, or another science-based discipline to obtain additional knowledge and prepare for medical school. However, any major is acceptable. Enrolling in a graduate school is the step that follows, where an individual will be required to complete a medical program with two years of clinical rotations, resulting in a doctorate of medicine (MD). After this stage is achieved, it is imperative to undergo a 4-5 year medical residency program to master all responsibilities and duties of a chosen specialty. A focus on general surgery would be the most beneficial, as the stream would allow for exposure to a multitude of critical surgical procedures. Finally, 1-2 years will be allocated to complete a fellowship program primarily focusing on trauma surgeries and receiving instruction in patients’ follow-up care.
Bibliography
Becoming a trauma surgeon. (2018, September 12). Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://www.theapprenticedoctor.com/becoming-a-trauma-surgeon/
Institute, E. (n.d.). Salary. Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/trauma-surgeon/canada
Institute, E. (n.d.). Salary. Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/trauma-surgeon/united-states
Jubbal, K. (2020, July 09). So you want to be a trauma surgeon. Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://medschoolinsiders.com/medical-student/so-you-want-to-be-a-trauma-surgeon/
What is a trauma surgeon? What they do, when to see one, and what to expect. (2020). Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-trauma-surgeon