Paediatric Surgeons
Overview
Paediatric Surgeons are specialised doctors who diagnose and perform surgery to treat abnormalities, diseases, and injuries in unborn babies, infants, children, and teenagers. This includes all paediatric surgical specialties and subspecialties, focusing on making life-changing differences in young patients' lives.
Did you know?
Becoming a Paediatric Surgeon requires completing a medical degree (6 years), followed by general surgery training (5 years), and then paediatric surgery specialisation (2-3 years). This represents approximately 13-14 years of study and training after high school, making it one of the longest educational pathways in medicine.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$380,000 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Key Responsibilities
- Examines patients to determine the necessity of operations, estimates and explains risks to patients, and selects the best operational procedures
- Reviews reports on patients' general physical condition, reactions to medications and medical histories
- Consults with anaesthetists regarding the correct anaesthesia for patients
- Performs surgical operations
- Examines instruments, equipment, and surgical set-up to ensure that antiseptic and aseptic methods have been followed
- Instructs other medical, nursing and associated staff regarding the preparation of patients and instrument and equipment requirements
- Prescribes post-operative care, and observes and investigates patients' progress
- Maintains records of operations performed
- May specialise in particular types of operations
Career Considerations
Extensive Educational Requirements in Australia
Becoming a Paediatric Surgeon requires completing a medical degree (6 years), followed by general surgery training (5 years), and then paediatric surgery specialisation (2-3 years). This represents approximately 13-14 years of study and training after high school, making it one of the longest educational pathways in medicine.
Competitive Entry and High Academic Standards
Entry into medical school requires excellent academic results, particularly in science subjects, and successful completion of entrance exams like UCAT. Paediatric surgery is one of the most competitive surgical specialties, requiring exceptional performance throughout medical training.
Emotional and Physical Demands
This career involves working with seriously ill children and their families, requiring strong emotional resilience and excellent communication skills. The work can be physically demanding with long hours, emergency surgeries, and high-pressure situations.