A commitment to many years of education and training is required to become a neonatal surgeon. These surgeons operate on some of the most vulnerable patients, as they specialize in treating newborns and may even care for unborn babies. In most cases, this profession necessitates a high school diploma, four years of college, four years of medical school, and up to eight years of residency training. Many jurisdictions require aspiring neonatal surgeons to complete an additional two years of pediatric surgery training that focuses on neonatal care in addition to this extensive training.
If you want to work as a neonatal surgeon, the first step is usually to graduate from high school. Science and math classes, in particular, may be beneficial in preparing you for your chosen educational path, but composition and public-speaking classes may also be beneficial. When applying to colleges, admissions officers will most likely consider all of your grades, so it is critical to excel in all of your subjects. Many colleges will take into account your involvement in extracurricular activities and groups. Volunteering can also help you increase your chances of being accepted to the college of your choice.
You won’t have to choose a specific major to become a neonatal surgeon in most cases, as most medical schools will accept students from any major. However, some aspiring surgeons pursue science or pre-medicine majors, which can both provide excellent preparation. Even so, you might be able to get into medical school after earning a liberal arts degree or studying math. The grades you earn in college, the extracurricular activities you participate in, and the recommendations of your professors may be more important than your major choice. Additionally, you will almost always be required to take a medical school entrance exam in order to be admitted to medical school.
Medical school lasts four years and includes not only classroom instruction but also clinical training. In most jurisdictions, aspiring doctors must also pass a licensing exam in order to practice medicine. However, your education to become a neonatal surgeon does not end after you graduate from medical school and pass this exam. To prepare for this career, most jurisdictions require a five- to eight-year residency followed by two years of pediatric surgery training with a focus on neonatal care. After completing this specialty training, you may need to take an additional exam to become board certified in this field as a neonatal surgeon.