General Surgeon Overview

A general surgeon is a physician who has been educated and trained in the diagnosis and preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patient care. Surgery requires knowledge of anatomy, emergency and intensive care, immunology, metabolism, nutrition, pathology, physiology, shock and resuscitation, and wound healing.

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Physicians choosing to enter the field of surgery may specialize in one of 14 areas:

cardiothoracic
general surgery
gynecologic oncology
ophthalmic (eye)
orthopaedic
pediatric
urology
colon and rectal
gynecology and obstetrics
neurological
oral and maxillofacial (jaws and face)
otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat)
plastic and maxillofacial
vascular

General Surgeon Board Certification, Education & Training »

Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 Nov 2001
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 01 Nov 2001