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Becoming a surgeon in India entails a long, demanding, yet rewarding journey that requires dedication, competence, and ceaseless learning. Medical students and surgical residents must have an idea about the course ahead. The guide below will help you with education, career scope, salary expectations, and the slowly blossoming field of surgery in India.
Step-by-step guide on becoming a surgeon in India
Educational Journey
- The journey to becoming a surgeon in India begins with completing an MBBS, a five-and-a-half-year course with a mandatory one-year internship.
- Postgraduate specialization in surgery requires clearing entrance exams like NEET-PG, INI-CET, or FMGE for foreign graduates.
- Candidates then pursue an MS in General Surgery or DNB in Surgery, both of which take three years to complete.
- Many surgeons further opt for super-specializations such as
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic & reconstructive surgery
- Oncosurgery.
License and Registration
In India, a surgeon is legally allowed to perform surgical procedures on the registration of his name in the National Medical Council (NMC) or many cases, their respective state medical councils.
Surgeon Job Description & Duties
A surgeon’s role has a broad area of practice
- Diagnosing conditions requiring surgical intervention
- Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care
- Works in collaboration with anesthetists and surgical teams
- Keeping up with the latest innovations in surgery
Salary Expectations for Surgeons in India
Surgeons in India earn varying salaries based on specialization, experience, and workplace (government or private). Approximate salaries include:
- Junior Resident Surgeon – ₹12-15 lakhs per annum
- Senior Resident Surgeon – ₹18-25 lakhs per annum
- Consultant Surgeon – ₹30-50 lakhs per annum
- Super-Specialist Surgeons (Cardiothoracic, Neuro, Onco, etc.) – ₹50 lakhs to ₹2 crores per annum
Scope & Future of Surgery in India
With advancements in robotic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and AI-driven diagnostics, the demand for skilled surgeons is rising. Super-specializations and research opportunities in transplant surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and cosmetic surgery offer promising career growth.
Conclusion:
A career in surgery is challenging but highly rewarding. Aspiring surgery residents must focus on academic excellence, clinical exposure, and continuous learning. Platforms like Conceptual Surgery can help bridge the gap between traditional medical education and modern surgical advancements.
Are you an Indian medical graduate or a surgery resident? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!