Surgical techs work on a variety of surgical procedures, and they may work with many different surgeons. The surgeons may specialize in a particular area or have a more generalized focus. Here are a few different types of surgeons a surgical tech may work with.
General surgeons
As the term implies, general surgeons have broad general expertise, and they have the knowledge and skills necessary to do a wide variety of surgeries. Their expertise includes understanding about anatomy, surgical procedures, and post-operative care.
The types of surgery may include acute care, colorectal, endocrine, pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal, as well as minimally-invasive surgery and surgical oncology. This range makes it clear that the broad expertise is very important for general surgeons.
Surgeons who focus on organs and systems
The human body has many different organs and systems, and there are surgeons who specialize in each of them. For example, surgeons who focus on the endocrine system take an integrated approach to surgery to treat endocrine disorders and conditions. Similarly, surgeons who specialize in audiology have the expertise required to operate when a condition requires a surgical approach.
Pediatric surgeons
Just as pediatricians specialize in providing medical care for children, pediatric surgeons specialize in providing surgical care for children. Pediatric surgeons operate on children whose development ranges from the newborn stage through the teenage years. In addition to completing training and achieving board certification, they complete two additional years of training exclusively in children’s surgery.
Pediatric surgeons may specialize in different areas, including general surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, or urology. Their expertise in pediatrics and the area of specialty allows them to provide excellent care to their patients
Trauma surgeons
Trauma surgeons care for patients who are severely injured, sometimes critically injured and even near death. They may also work with emergency general surgery patients dealing with things like perforated colons, gallbladder problems, or appendicitis. Like all other types of surgery, it can be very demanding, and this type of surgery is often on an emergency basis, resulting from injury.
The scope is greater than many people realize: injury is the major under-appreciated health problem in the United States. It is the major cause of death between ages 1 and 44. The number of trauma-related deaths annually approaches 150,000. As a result, trauma centers can be very busy, and people who are open to unpredictable days may thrive in this environment.
Which area interests you?
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. Are you considering a career as a surgical tech – or are you a surgical tech searching for a different type of surgical assignment? When you’re ready for your next assignment, call us at 310.436.3650.
