The Difference Between A Doctor And A Surgeon

The difference between a doctor and a surgeon

Doctors and surgeons are among the most highly educated and well-compensated professionals in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, there were 661,400 individuals employed as physicians and surgeons, and this number is expected to increase to 805,500 by 2018. When considering a career in the medical field, it is helpful to understand the fundamental distinctions between doctors and surgeons before selecting a specialization.

Work description

One of the primary distinctions between a doctor and a surgeon lies in their core job responsibilities. Surgeons are doctors, but the reverse is not necessarily true. General practitioners typically cannot pick up a scalpel and perform surgery when required. Surgeons usually hold a separate state license for surgical procedures, while general practitioners typically work under a general medical license. Doctors are primarily focused on diagnosing and treating diseases, often without resorting to surgical intervention unless it is deemed necessary. Unless a doctor also holds a surgical license, they will often refer patients to a surgeon when surgery is required.

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Education

Another difference between surgeons and doctors lies in their educational background. While the educational paths share many similarities, there is a distinction in the type of medical residency they complete. Both doctors and surgeons obtain undergraduate degrees and complete medical school, which typically requires around eight years of identical education. However, the key educational difference arises in the form of medical residency they pursue. General practitioners usually complete a residency program lasting approximately three years, which can encompass general medicine or a specialized area. In contrast, surgeons often undertake a five-year residency in general surgery followed by a shorter residency or a one to three-year research fellowship in their chosen specialization.

Working conditions

One of the major disparities between doctors and surgeons pertains to their daily working conditions. General practitioners with private practices often work regular office hours from Monday to Friday. Doctors in private practice affiliated with a group or hospital may also have hospital rotations once or twice a week to attend to their hospitalized patients. The same applies to doctors who serve as surgeons. However, surgeons who primarily perform surgical procedures are more likely to work longer hours in the hospital and may be on call for an entire week. Surgeons may also work night shifts or early morning hours, or a combination of both. In general,

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Compensation

Salary can serve as compensation for the demanding conditions often faced by surgeons. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for surgeons was $219,770 in 2009. In contrast, the median annual salary for general practitioners was considerably lower, at $168,550 per year in 2009. The data also indicates that in 2008, primary care physicians had a median salary of $186,044 per year, whereas those specializing in medical fields earned an average salary of $339,738 per year.