How to become a surgeon: pathway to success

Becoming a surgeon is a highly rewarding career path that combines intellectual challenge, technical expertise, and the ability to save lives through surgical procedures. Surgeons play a critical role in the healthcare system, specializing in fields like orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery, and pediatric surgery. Whether you aspire to pursue general surgery, neurological surgery, or vascular surgery, this profession requires extensive education, rigorous training, and advanced surgical skills.

The journey begins with completing an MBBS degree or equivalent medical degree from an accredited medical school, followed by postgraduate medical education in a specific surgical specialty. Aspiring surgeons undergo clinical rotations, residency programs, and often a fellowship program to develop expertise in surgical techniques and minimally invasive techniques.

Surgeons typically perform surgeries in hospitals, private practices, and research facilities, working alongside other healthcare providers and medical professionals. After obtaining a medical license and becoming board certified, surgeons can specialize in areas like transplant surgery, trauma surgery, bariatric surgery, and surgical oncology. With competitive surgeon salaries and opportunities to advance in the medical field, becoming a surgeon offers immense potential for personal and professional growth. This guide will outline the steps to achieve your goal, both in India and abroad.

Why choose a career as a surgeon?

• Prestigious and rewarding career – Surgeons play a critical role in the medical field, making life-saving decisions and improving patients' quality of life through surgical procedures.

• Specialized career paths – Surgeons can specialize in various fields, including orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery, pediatric surgery, trauma surgery, and transplant surgery.

• High demand for expertise – Continuous advancements in medical sciences, robotic surgery, and minimally invasive techniques create growing demand for experienced surgeons with specialized expertise.

• Pathway in India –

  • Complete an MBBS degree from accredited medical schools.

  • Pursue postgraduate medical education in medical specialties such as general surgery or neurological surgery.

  • Undergo surgical residency programs and clinical rotations to gain practical skills and experience.

• Pathway abroad –

  • Study in medical colleges abroad that focus on surgical techniques like reconstructive surgery and robotic surgery.

  • Many programs offer fellowship programs and certifications from institutions like the Royal College for global recognition.

• Financial and professional growth –

  • Surgeons earn average salaries among the highest in healthcare providers.

  • Opportunities to establish private practice or work in international hospitals and clinics.

• Continuous learning – Surgeons require lifelong learning to stay updated with modern surgical specialties, medical procedures, and clinical skills while handling diverse patient populations.

A career as a surgeon combines intellectual challenges, medical education, and leadership opportunities, making it an attractive choice for aspiring surgeons passionate about surgical care and medical sciences.

Advantages of becoming a surgeon Abroad vs. in India

This comparison highlights how both pathways—abroad and in India—provide unique opportunities, allowing students to choose based on personal goals, medical education, and career aspirations.

futureMBBS can assist aspiring surgeons in securing MBBS admissions at top-tier universities in Europe that are NMC-approved and renowned for advanced medical education and surgical residency programs. Additionally, for those aiming to study MBBS in India and pursue their dream of becoming a surgeon, futureMBBS offers NEETsheet, a comprehensive NEET preparation platform featuring India’s top EdTech teachers, unlimited mock tests, and daily live classes to help students achieve top ranks in NEET and gain admission to prestigious medical colleges.

Top universities for MBBS and surgical training abroad

Here is a curated list of top universities offering MBBS and surgical training programs abroad:

Note: NMC (National Medical Commission) approval ensures that the medical degree is recognized in India. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) qualification is typically required for Indian students seeking admission to these universities.

Pathway to becoming a surgeon in India

Becoming a surgeon in India involves a structured pathway, beginning with an MBBS degree and progressing to specialized training in various surgical fields.

1. Undergraduate education: The journey starts with completing an MBBS degree from an accredited medical school. This 5.5-year program includes clinical rotations in various specialties like general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and plastic surgery, providing the foundation for surgical education.

2. Postgraduate medical education: After MBBS, aspiring surgeons must pursue postgraduate medical education, typically a Master of Surgery (MS). Specialization can be in fields such as cardiothoracic surgery, surgical oncology, or reconstructive surgery, where students gain advanced knowledge of surgical techniques and medical procedures.

3. Residency program: During a surgical residency program, candidates gain hands-on experience in performing surgeries and managing patient care. This stage is critical in developing clinical skills and expertise in various surgical disciplines like vascular surgery, trauma surgery, and robotic surgery.

4. Board certification: Finally, surgeons need to obtain certification from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to practice as board-certified surgeons in India.

This pathway equips aspiring surgeons with the necessary training, expertise, and medical license to become proficient in performing complex surgical procedures and providing quality patient care.

Top universities for surgical education in India

Course information: India vs. Abroad

• Duration: MBBS programs in India typically last 5.5 years, including a one-year internship. International programs may vary, often ranging from 5 to 6 years.

• Curriculum: Both Indian and international programs cover fundamental medical sciences, clinical rotations, and specialized training. However, international programs may offer exposure to advanced surgical techniques and technologies.

Eligibility criteria and admission process

• Academic Requirements: Completion of higher secondary education with a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, and biology.

• Entrance Exams: NEET is mandatory for admission to medical colleges in India and for Indian students seeking to study medicine abroad NEET maybe required along with a university specific entrance test.

• Language proficiency: Some international universities may require proficiency in the language of instruction, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores for English-taught programs.

Types of intakes

• India: Generally, there is a single intake per academic year, commencing in August or September.

• Abroad: Intake periods vary by country; some universities offer multiple intakes, such as fall and spring semesters.

Scholarships

Various scholarships are available for meritorious students, both in India and abroad. These may be offered by government bodies, universities, or private organizations, and can significantly reduce the financial burden of medical education.

Cost of study and living

• India: Tuition fees in government medical colleges are relatively low, ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 per annum, while private institutions may charge higher fees. Living expenses vary by city but are generally affordable.

• Abroad: Tuition fees can range from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 per annum, depending on the country and university. Living expenses also vary, with European countries generally offering a lower cost of living compared to the USA or UK.

Job prospects and salary after becoming a surgeon abroad

Graduating from top medical universities abroad provides aspiring surgeons with exceptional job prospects and competitive salaries. Universities in countries like Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania emphasize surgical techniques, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic surgery, enabling graduates to meet international standards in surgical procedures and patient care. These institutions equip medical students with clinical rotations, postgraduate medical education, and residency training to ensure they excel in specialties such as orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery, and pediatric surgery.

Surgeons abroad can work in hospitals, research institutions, private practice, or as consultant surgeons in specialized fields like vascular surgery, neurosurgery, surgical oncology, and transplant surgery. Graduates from accredited medical schools abroad often pursue fellowship programs to further enhance their surgical skills and stay updated with advancements in robotic surgery and minimally invasive techniques.

Average salaries for surgeons abroad

Surgeons typically require a medical license, board certification, and specialized training to practice abroad. With increasing demand for experienced surgeons in fields like colorectal surgery, cardiovascular surgery, and thoracic surgery, the job market remains robust for qualified professionals.

Job prospects and salary after becoming a surgeon in India

Surgeons in India are highly respected professionals, with opportunities in government hospitals, private hospitals, multispecialty clinics, research institutes, and medical colleges. Graduates from top medical schools like AIIMS, CMC Vellore, and JIPMER undergo postgraduate medical education and surgical residency programs, equipping them with expertise in surgical procedures and specialized training in fields like orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and plastic surgery.

Indian surgeons can further their careers through fellowship programs and board certification to specialize in robotic surgery, minimally invasive techniques, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, trauma surgery, and neurosurgery. Many also enter private practice or become consultant surgeons in multispecialty hospitals, leveraging advanced surgical techniques to provide specialized care.

Average salaries for surgeons in India

Key factors influencing salaries in India:

• Experience – Senior surgeons with years of clinical rotations and residency program training earn significantly more.

• Specialization – Fields like neurosurgery, vascular surgery, and cardiac surgery are among the highest-paying.

• Hospital type – Private hospitals often pay more than government institutions.

• Location – Salaries are higher in metropolitan cities compared to rural areas.

• Private practice – Surgeons in private practice can command higher earnings, depending on their reputation and patient base.

Conclusion

Becoming a surgeon is a prestigious and fulfilling career that requires dedication, extensive education, and specialized training. Whether you choose to study in India or abroad, both pathways offer unique advantages in terms of education quality, career prospects, and earning potential. With growing advancements in robotic surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and specialized training, surgeons are in high demand globally. Aspiring surgeons should carefully plan their education and training to build a successful career in surgical medicine.