Working Life
Surgeons perform operations on patients, using their specialist knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, anatomy andpathology.They have to work very skilfully with their hands, and have a whole team of medical staff to support them.
The particular type of operation a surgeon performs depends on their speciality. These include:
- General surgery
- Neurosurgery (brain)
- Cardiothoracic surgery (heart and chest)
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery (head and neck)
- Ears, nose and throat (ENT) surgery
- Plastic surgery (skin and bone construction)
- Paediatric surgery (children)
- Trauma and orthopaedic surgery (bones and joints)
- Urology (urinary)
Surgeons divide their time between the outpatient clinic, the ward, the operating theatre and the office. In the outpatient clinic, they ask patients about their symptoms, and then examine and diagnose them. They may decide to add them to a waiting list for an operation or send them for further tests.
On the ward, surgeons visit their patients just before their operation. They check that incision markings are in the right place and answer any last minute questions. They might also check on patients after the operation, to make sure there are no problems.
Surgeons perform their operations in the theatre, which must be kept sterile. They either work through a series of routine minor operations or concentrate on one or two major operations, which could take hours. While they are operating, they teach junior doctors surgical techniques and procedures.
In the office, surgeons decide whether referrals from GPs are urgent or routine cases.
Surgeons also spend time doing research in order to keep up with new surgical technologies. They might publish articles in medical journals, and some surgeons lecture to other health professionals about surgery.
Surgeons work long hours and spend some time on-call. Their free time may suffer because of this. When they are on-call, they may have to perform emergency operations.
Further Information
- Cosmetic Surgeon- from: YouTube [UK]
- Surgeon- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Surgeon
You must have a sound knowledge of physiology, anatomy, biochemistryand pathology. A steady hand and good co-ordination skills are also essential.
You must also have the physical stamina to perform operations over a long period of time. You will have to make decisions under pressure and must be able to cope with stress.
You must be able to listen to, question and reassure patients and their families. Teamwork is an important part of the job, so it is vital that you can communicate well. You should also be hard-working and responsible.
Interests - Surgeon
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Surgeon
To become a surgeon, you must first qualify as a medical doctor by taking a six-year degree programme in Medicine, followed by completion of a one-year internship in an approved hospital post.
You then start your Basic Specialty Training (BST) by taking up a place in the Surgical Training Scheme through the Royal College of Surgeons. During this time you will learn the principles of surgery, and practise the clinical and practical skills common to all branches of surgery.
Professional Development
Postgraduate study: medicine, surgical science, surgical science and practice NFQ level 9.
You will then spend another five or six years in Higher Surgical Training. During this time you specialise in one of the nine main areas of surgery:
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Plastic Surgery
- General Surgery
- Urology
- Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery
- Ophthalmic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Paediatric Surgery
On satisfactory completion of HST, you will receive a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training (CSCST) which allows you to enter the Specialist Division of the Register with the Medical Council.
Once a doctor is on the Specialist Division of the Register with the Medical Council they are eligible to apply for consultant posts.
Pay & Salary - Surgeon
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €67k - €160k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
HSE/ Payscale/ Indeed
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Surgeon
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Medical practitioners.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).
The annual average employment growth over the five-year period was above average for medical practitioners, with almost 6,000 additional persons employed since 2019. The gender split was broadly in line with the national average, whereas, at 33%, the share of non-Irish citizens employed was above average.
Almost 1,700 new employment permits were issued for roles including senior house officers, registrars, GPs and in emergency medicine.
Mentions of difficult-to-fill vacancies in the Recruitment Agency Survey were for those in psychiatric and emergency medicine and GPs. The share of OJAs for medical practitioners (as a share of all healthcare related OJAs) increased from 11% to nearly a fifth between 2023 and 2024. Issues with sourcing GPs has been particularly highlighted. There has been an increase in the annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme, with 350 new training places made available in 2024. The Programme for Government commits to increasing the number of GPs through both international recruitment and increasing the number of training places.
Our population growth and ageing population will lead to increased demand for medical practitioners across services and shortages are expected to persist.
Skills shortage:
Medical practitioners
Useful Contacts - Surgeon
-
Health Service Executive (HSE)
- Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
- 041 685 0300
- Click Here
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Irish Medical Council
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Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
- Frederick House, 19 South Federick Street Dublin 2
- (01) 8639700
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Public Appointments Service
- Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
- (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
- [email protected]
- Click Here
