Flexible & Free: Surgeon’s Guide to General Surgery Job Openings

Americans want and need surgery regularly. Some procedures are essential, while others are elective. Elective procedures may be delayed due to a lack of surgeons. Medically necessary operations must come first. 

Surgeons remain in high demand, particularly in rural areas. Medical facilities are continually seeking individuals to fill open positions. As a result, when a person searches for general surgery job openings, they often find a range of assignments to select from. Finding the perfect job isn’t challenging in this field. 

General Surgery Trends

Fortunately, technology is allowing this industry to evolve. Procedures are becoming less invasive thanks to innovations in the surgical field. Image-guided procedures are becoming more commonplace, and robotic surgery is standard in many cases. Tele-surgery is another option that is being used more often today. Surgical precision has increased thanks to these innovations, while recovery times have decreased. Patient outcomes improve when technology is used during surgical procedures. 

Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Procedures

Minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopy and endoscopy, continue to evolve and improve. Post-operative pain decreases when these techniques are used, and patients recover more quickly. General anesthesia is no longer necessary in many cases, as surgeons use endoscopic techniques. There is less risk involved when general anesthesia isn’t required. 

Non-Invasive Procedures

Innovative procedures are less invasive, allowing patients to return home sooner. The risk of complications decreases, and many surgeons are choosing to specialize in cutting-edge techniques. They remain in high demand and may decide to travel the country to help patients in need of specialized surgeries. 

Choosing a General Surgery Position

Surgeons often find they can be selective when choosing a job. Many people choose to specialize in a particular field of interest. What factors should be considered when comparing job opportunities? 

Surgeons must define their personal and professional priorities. They may want a job that offers a better work-life balance or choose one that allows them to advance to the top of their field. Many surgeons wish to relocate and must research the average salary and cost of living in their desired area. 

Surgeons also must decide which practice setting they prefer. Some wish to work in an urban area, while others want to reside in a rural area. One key consideration when evaluating different positions is how each role will help advance your career. Establish a five-year and ten-year plan and assess how each opening can contribute to achieving the goals outlined in each plan. Doing so ensures that the selected job will provide opportunities for growth and advancement in the field. 

Starting a Job Search

Surgeons have several resources at their disposal when searching for a new job. Professional networks and medical associations are excellent places to start your search. Reach out to residency and fellowship connections to see if they have any recommendations. Additionally, healthcare staffing agencies can be of great assistance to surgeons seeking their ideal job opportunities. These agencies may recommend locum tenens positions, enabling the surgeon to explore various possibilities and find the perfect fit. 

The need for general surgery is expected to increase in the coming years. At the same time, the country is experiencing a shortage of these professionals, allowing surgeons to be particular about where they work. Consider taking on locum tenens positions to try different practice settings and geographical locations. Men and women who find themselves in this situation learn more about the opportunities available to them, allowing them to find the ideal job that meets their needs.