There are different levels of surgeons that have a varied set of training and expertise. Whether you’re a registrar, career grade surgeon, consultant surgeon or specialty surgeon, they will all tend to follow similar career paths and experience a lot of the same training. Some surgeons may also have additional degrees or diplomas in research or specialist areas, such as ophthalmology or orthopaedics, but the general path barely changes.
Becoming a general surgeon is for those with high levels of manual dexterity, unfaltering determination and a desire to achieve perfection. While the term ‘general surgeon’ sounds like a vague term for a surgeon, they are usually the ones with a wide range of knowledge and skills that can treat patients of all ages with varying conditions.
This guide will explore the career path taken by general surgeons that has allowed them to enter their field and flourish. Whether you’re an aspiring surgeon or simply want to learn more about the industry, please continue reading this article.
5 Steps Towards Becoming a General Surgeon
- Apply for Core Surgical Training (CT1 – CT2)
Once you complete 2 years of foundation training, you need to begin a further 2 years of core surgical training if you want to kick-start your career path to becoming a general surgeon. This will prepare trainees to enter a surgery speciality field, as you can enhance their basic surgical skills and other competencies.
Applications must be made via the NHS Oriel website, but it’s worth noting that competition is very strong so you need to ensure that you have all the necessary qualifications from high-level university academic performance.
A general surgical run-through program was launched in 2018 as part of the Improving Surgical Training (IST) effort. This curriculum is appropriate for individuals who, following foundation training, are certain that they want to work in general surgery and do not believe they want to be part of other surgical specialties.
ST1 is where the program will start and must achieve the minimum requirements before passing an interview to advance to ST3. It is likely to be highly competitive with the enhanced security of job progression into ST3.
- Pass the MRCS Exam
Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) is an intercollegiate exam for surgical trainees who want to join one of the four surgical royal colleges in the United Kingdom or Ireland. Trainees wishing to continue their surgical training at specialty level must complete their exam by the end of their ST2 year.
The MRCS is very difficult to pass with only 40-45% of participants passing the part A exam. However, part B has a higher pass rate above 70%.
- Apply for Specialty Training in General Surgery
If you are on the core surgical training pathway, there is an annual national recruitment process in general surgery to obtain a speciality training post (ST3). Out of 428 applications in 2019, only 198 were offered places on the training course with the majority getting a rejection.
This has improved since, as in 2024 the competition rate for UK Orthopaedic ST3 interviews was 3.1:1. This means that for every 3.1 applicants, 1 was successfully appointed to a registrar post.
- Specialty Training Participation (ST3-8)
The chance to enhance skills in a variety of different surgical subspecialities is the main benefit of speciality training. Aspiring general surgeons will go through 5 years of speciality training with most trainees also completing MD and PhD’s within their interested area to give them the best chance of success in future surgery consultant posts. The training is this long as it’s seen that taking things slowly ensures more success. Specialty trainees must take the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) exam in their final two years of surgical training.
- Training Completion
Trainees will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) once they pass their specialty training. Additionally, they will be awarded with being added to the GMC’s specialist register and can then be seen as a reliable employee who can apply for a consultant post. In some cases, passing trainees might then want to apply for a fellowship for further, more specialised training for better success in that particular field.
Types of Subspecialities for General Surgeons
General surgeons will experience broad-based training during their career path, which allows them to choose a variety of options once they enter specialist training. Consultants can select from a wide range of subspecialties, including:
- Breast surgery
- Transplant surgery
- Endocrine surgery
- Bariatric surgery
- Colorectal surgery
A consultant general surgeon will perform approximately 80% of surgical work that is not classified as a subspeciality. One exclusion for this is those who subspecialise in transplant surgery, such as piezo rhinoplasty.
Conclusion
The role of a general surgeon is one of great responsibility and immense satisfaction, which is why there are so many applications year-on-year. These skilled professionals play a vital role in saving lives and improving the quality of life for their patients. As we’ve explored, the path to becoming a surgeon is demanding, but it’s a journey that shapes individuals into exceptional healthcare providers.