Government of New Brunswick
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Surgeon (general)

Surgeons are physicians who operate to repair injuries, correct deformities, prevent diseases, and generally improve the health of patients. They examine patients to determine if surgery is necessary, evaluate the risks involved, and select the appropriate surgical procedure. 

Surgery involves making an incision on the patient's body and repairing or removing an internal part of the body, and then closing the incision for optimum recovery. Some surgeons are specialized and fellowship-trained in a particular type of surgery such as brain or heart surgeries, while other surgeons, called “general surgeons” are broader in scope but do not perform highly specialized types of surgery.


An Exciting Field of Work

In general, Surgeons:

  • Meet with patients, analyze their medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and test results to verify the necessity of an operation
  • Assess patients' diseases or disorders to determine appropriate surgical procedures
  • Provide information to patient about medical condition and surgical risk
  • Perform and supervise surgical procedures to correct physical abnormalities and deficiencies and repair injuries
  • Follow established surgical techniques during operation
  • Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures
  • Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary
  • Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons 


Personal Characteristics / Skills

  • Good communication and interpersonnel skills
  • Professionalism and high ethical standards
  • Compassion, honesty and Integrity
  • Outstanding dexterity and eye-hand coordination
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work under intense pressure, performing high-risk procedures and handling life or death situations


Education and Training

A Bachelor of Science and a Medical Doctor (MD) degree followed by a surgical residency program is usually required for general surgery.  


Education program offered in New Brunswick

Medical Education programs are offered in New Brunswick by the following educational institutions:


Length of Study / Training

12.0 - 13.0 years


Licence and certification

To practice in New Brunswick, Surgeons must be registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick.


Helpful High School Courses

  • Math
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics


Employment and Common Working Conditions

Surgeons work in a variety of settings, such as:

  • Hospitals
  • Private practice
  • Universities and medical schools

Surgeons spend most of their time in an operating room (OR), either at a hospital or outpatient surgery center. They are also occasionally on-call for emergencies or urgent situations. The non-surgical time is typically spent in an office setting for the pre- and post-operative patient visits and consultations. 


Employment Prospects - very GOOD

With our aging population, it is anticipated that there will continue to be a high demand for Surgeons.