A pediatric surgeon is a surgeon who focuses on the treatment and care of children. A pediatric surgeon is usually assigned to any child in need of surgery, ranging from infancy to adolescence. Pediatric surgeons, unlike general surgeons, must complete two years of specialized training after passing the medical board exam. These two years are entirely dedicated to providing the care and attention that children require during medical procedures.
In urban areas, pediatric surgeons are plentiful, but this is not always the case in rural areas. General surgeons frequently provide critical surgical care to children in rural areas. Although general surgeons are qualified to perform surgery on children, pediatric surgeons may have a better understanding of certain procedures.
Pediatric surgeons’ primary responsibilities include providing diagnosis, prevention, operative, and management care to children who require surgery. Infants born with certain complications often do not have a chance of living a healthy life without surgery. As a result, infants make up a large portion of the patients who require pediatric surgery.
Pediatric surgeons are experts in neonatology, prenatal care, trauma, and pediatric oncology. Because these are often highly technical areas, the expertise of a pediatric surgeon is highly valued both parents and medical professionals. Surgeons can determine whether surgery is in a child’s best interests working with a team of medical professionals.
Pediatric surgeons are most commonly found in children’s hospitals, but they can also be found in university medical centers, general hospitals, and private medical facilities. Pediatric surgeons, like all other types of surgeons, must complete extensive training before practicing.
Pediatric surgeons must complete medical school, five years of surgery-specific graduate school, and two years of pediatric surgery fellowship training. A written surgical examination as well as medical board certification are also required. Following initial certification, a pediatric surgeon must update his or her medical certification every ten years. Before a surgeon can practice in almost any country, he or she must complete the aforementioned amount of education and certification.
Pediatric surgery is a field that prospective surgeons who are kind, compassionate, and tolerant should consider. Children who require surgery are frequently terrified, intimidated, and afraid of hospital environments. As a result, a pediatric surgeon must have an excellent bedside manner, which includes the ability to reassure a scared child.
Furthermore, surgeons must be able to speak calmly and rationally with frantic parents about their child’s medical condition. A pediatric surgeon’s job is both professionally and personally rewarding, but it is not easy.