Surgeons must complete undergraduate school, medical school, residency programs and medical exams to become licensed and start practicing. Many surgeons continue with their training and research once they've entered the field and become experts in their specialties. Some are promoted to high positions within hospitals or medical facilities and others become teachers or professors.
Specialization Is the Key to Success
Some surgeons encounter advancement opportunities because they specialize in a particular part of the body, such as the heart or brain. Due to the aging population and medical needs of all ages, there is an increasing demand for specialized surgeons who know how to use the latest technologies to treat illnesses and injuries. As surgeons gain more experience, take specialized training courses on the newest surgical procedures and build positive reputations with patients and medical staff, they are often promoted within their hospitals or medical facilities. The average salary for surgeons is about $255,000 depending on their location and area of specialty.
After many years of experience, some surgeons become lead administrators or chief surgeons at hospitals. Chief surgeons oversee and supervise other surgical procedures to ensure the best care possible. They help create training seminars to educate surgeons on required policies, procedures and practices. Most importantly, they provide day-to-day leadership and management for a hospital's surgery department. The increase in responsibilities means that the average salary for chief surgeons is higher, at around $440,403 per year.
Lectures, Lessons and Research
Some seasoned surgeons choose to teach in medical schools to help the new generation of surgeons learn the trade. Surgeons who do research and instruct at the college level often become department heads. Teaching opportunities are typically reserved for renowned surgeons who have extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Some might choose to teach once they reach an advanced position because academic settings are usually slower paced and less stressful than hospital environments. Many surgeons also find it rewarding to train the newer surgeons in the techniques and strategies that have been successful for them. However, the lower stress level of teaching means that the salary for a medical school professor is lower, at about $151,564 per year.
Some successful surgeons advance their careers and income potential by opening their own practices. Opening a practice requires more than just being a good surgeon, however. You must also be willing and able to handle administrative responsibilities such as hiring staff, completing financial and legal paperwork and operating the facility. Private-practice surgeons must also maintain a sufficient client base to ensure they have enough patients to grow their revenues and profits. The salary of private practice surgeons varies widely depending on the size of your practice, the population you serve and your expenses.