One of the busiest and most demanding professions in the world is surgery. There isn’t much time for these professionals to relax because of the nature of the medical field. Someone would need surgical care somewhere in the world every single second, minute, and hour. The fact that doctors put in some of the longest hours in the world is therefore almost universally known. But we frequently forget to inquire as to how many hours these people actually put in.
This indicates that, assuming they work five days a week, a surgeon may work 10 to 12 hours per day on average. This is significantly longer than the typical 8-hour workday that most people encounter. This is due to the medical field’s inherent importance, as people need a wide range of medical services on a daily basis.
Surgeons with more experience actually work even longer shifts compared to the younger surgeons, unlike other professions where seniority would typically grant you less punishing work hours. This is because more experienced surgeons have more expertise in almost all surgical specialties as a result of more training and study. A senior surgeon may work shifts that are as long as 28 hours, with the former being the case in emergency situations where there is a serious health crisis in the region. Fortunately, more seasoned surgeons have the luxury of working fewer than six days a week to make up for this.
Of course, some surgical specialties require longer hours than others. Particularly, trauma/emergency surgeons and pediatric surgeons put in much longer hours as a result of the vastly increased population they need to care for. Accidents frequently occur, so trauma surgeons are frequently stationed in hospital emergency rooms because of this. Surgery appointments frequently pile up one after another in this environment, which is particularly hectic and stressful if the hospital is situated in a city with a high crime rate.
Women are giving birth at an ever-increasing rate, which necessitates the availability of pediatric surgeons, in the case of children. A birth defect occurs in 1 in 33 babies, necessitating the assistance of pediatric surgeons in order to save the child. Due to the sheer number of new and expectant mothers each year, the maternity ward experiences another hectic environment that is almost comparable to the emergency room.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have surgeons with a greater degree of specialization, such as cardiothoracic and neurosurgery specialists, who don’t typically work as much as their emergency and pediatric counterparts. Patients of neurosurgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons, who treat more esoteric conditions of the heart, lungs, and brain, respectively, are frequently few and far between. Because of this, compared to other surgeons, neurosurgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons have much more flexible working hours.
Regardless of the type of surgery a surgeon performs or their level of seniority, it is an undeniable fact that they put in a lot of hours at work—even at the low end. And even when they are free, if they are still on call, they might be called to their hospital and asked to provide their services right away. Due to how much it interferes with surgeons’ personal lives, this frequently presents a problem. Because of this, surgeons frequently need to find ways to balance their personal and professional lives as well as decompress from their work-related stress.
Surgeons work an average of 10 hours per day, even on the low end of the spectrum, if we do the math. The remaining time is 14 hours, from which we can deduct 8 to account for sleep. This translates to only 6 hours of free time per day, which can be further reduced if necessary due to commutes. The latter issue is particularly prevalent in developing nations like India, the Philippines, and Indonesia, all of which are enormous and have horrendous commutes.
However, medical schools have recently taken steps to ensure that their graduates maintain a good knowledge of mental health, so they may have the self-awareness to know when to seek a psychiatrist if the stress is too much for them. It is true that surgeons are struggling to find ways to improve their work-life balance. In addition, surgeons must understand the proper diet and exercise habits in order to maintain themselves during such a schedule because they are health professionals.
As a result, the hours required for working in surgery are among the most demanding of any profession; they typically range from 50 to 60 hours per day, with a legal limit of 80, and on-call shifts that can last all day. Due to a sense of duty to always be available for patients who may need them, surgeons dedicate themselves to these demanding schedules. Despite this, surgeons continue to provide excellent care for citizens of their city and society because of their availability 24/7. More responsibilities and work hours come with experience, but there are also more opportunities for these skilled surgeons to do good. And even though some surgical specialties may be less demanding than others, that doesn’t mean that their jobs are any less difficult.
What is a surgeon’s work schedule like?
Surgeons work a set number of hours in a hospital or private practice in addition to on-call hours, which are designated times when they must be available to report for work but are not required to be present physically unless requested. The on-call schedule of a surgeon varies according to their place of employment and specialty For instance, because private practices typically employ fewer doctors than hospitals, a surgeon working in a private practice likely has more on-call hours than a surgeon working in a hospital.
On-call surgeons may occasionally only need to conduct a phone consultation, while others may need to travel to the office to perform a surgery. A surgeon’s specialty frequently determines whether they must report to work or can only offer assistance over the phone. For instance, because their work occasionally requires a more experienced professional than that of a general surgeon, neurosurgeons frequently have to commute to work while on-call.
What does a surgeon do?
A surgeon is a doctor who assesses patients and conducts complex medical procedures. From elective procedures like plastic surgery to emergency services like heart surgery, surgeons perform a variety of surgical procedures. Professionally, surgeons are highly regarded and each select a field of specialization to study. Instead of having to be experts in all surgical procedures, this enables them to specialize in one area of medicine and concentrate on a specific health condition or body part.
Heres a list of some common specialties for surgeons:
General surgery
General surgeons concentrate on ailments and procedures involving the body’s general regions. These doctors operate on a range of patients, and they frequently help doctors from other specialties with their procedures. General surgeons frequently deal with conditions like appendicitis, hernias, and intestinal problems.
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgeons perform surgical procedures involving the brain and nervous system. These specialists, also known as brain surgeons, offer both urgent care and regular services. Tumor removal, treatment of head injuries, and spinal problems are among their most popular procedures.
Critical care surgery
Trauma surgeons, also referred to as critical care surgeons, treat urgent conditions. These specialists frequently treat patients alongside other surgeons who specialize in different fields and give initial care to patients who later need to see a different kind of surgeon. Burns, injuries sustained in auto accidents, and other trauma-related injuries are frequently treated by critical care surgeons.
Orthopedic surgery
Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system, bones, and joints. These specialists frequently carry out surgeries to treat broken bones, remove tumors, and treat skeletal and muscular malformations. Numerous orthopedic surgeons have specialties in things like hand and foot care, oncology, and sports medicine.
Pediatric surgery
Pediatric surgeons are general surgeons with specialized training in operating on children and adolescents. These medical professionals diagnose, treat, and provide post-operative care for a variety of conditions in patients ranging in age from newborns to teenagers. Pediatric surgeons frequently deal with fetal problems, birth defects, and trauma injuries.
Thoracic surgery
Thoracic surgeons are doctors who specialize in treating conditions of the chest, such as heart problems, esophageal disorders, and lung problems. Cardiac dysrhythmias and respiratory problems are the two conditions that these experts typically treat. Many thoracic surgeons also specialize in another area, such as adult or pediatric heart surgery or general thoracic surgery.
How many hours do surgeons work?
Many surgeons put in between 50 and 60 hours a week, not including on-call time. Most hospitals and private practices forbid surgeons from working more than 80 hours per week, not counting time spent on call or conducting research. Surgeons frequently schedule scheduled surgeries for certain days of the week, with the rest of their time being spent researching and providing emergency care.
Due to the fact that many surgeries take several hours to complete, a surgeon’s shifts frequently exceed the typical eight-hour workday. The following variables may occasionally affect how long a professional shift is:
Experience
Compared to surgeons with a year or less of experience, those with more experience typically put in longer shifts. This is because professionals with more experience are more confident in their skill set and more at ease working long hours. A surgeon’s shift could last from 12 to 28 hours. Their shifts might be longer in emergency situations or public health emergencies. Surgeons frequently work fewer than six days per week, with an average schedule of four days, to compensate for their lengthy shifts.
Specialty
Because of the subject matter they are experts in, some specialties frequently have longer hours than others. For instance, trauma and pediatric surgeons put in longer hours because they treat a wider range of patients and conditions. Contrarily, a thoracic surgeon treats patients who have chest and heart conditions, who represent a smaller patient population than those who visit trauma surgeons as a result of accidents.
Employer
A surgeon’s work schedule and hours are significantly influenced by their location. Because they have more coworkers than those who work in private practice, surgeons who work in hospitals can spend less time on-call. However, doctors who work in private practices frequently have set business hours. Many private practices maintain regular business hours, despite the fact that they may spend more time on call and must report to work during emergencies. Since hospitals are open 24/7, some surgeons must be on staff there at all times.
What are some ways surgeons can improve work-life balance?
Surgery requires years of dedication as well as the capacity to work long, demanding shifts. Although this line of work can be demanding, it is also very rewarding and financially rewarding. As a medical professional, it’s crucial to make sure you take care of your own mental and physical health needs. In order to do this, it is especially helpful to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Surgeons can improve their work-life balance by following these recommendations:
Maintain a healthy diet
For the sake of both your physical and mental health, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet. Consider researching the foods and portions nutritionists advise for your demographic because the components of a healthy diet frequently depend on a person’s unique medical history, lifestyle, and body type. When you can, try to bring your lunch or dinner from home to save money on takeout, and think about eating high-energy foods.
Exercise regularly
Try to set an exercise routine for yourself. This increases your stamina and strength, which could be beneficial for your work. Try to determine which exercise best suits your personality and way of life. Some people might favor cardio exercises, while others might favor yoga or aerobics. Even at work, you might be able to work out during breaks by going for a walk or finding a quiet spot.
Schedule time to be with friends and family
Being in the presence of those you love is crucial for maintaining mental health. Try to plan hangouts with your friends and family while you are off work. Think about planning a night in advance to have dinner with your family or friends. Additionally, it’s crucial to plan time off of work for significant occasions in the lives of your loved ones, such as a graduation or housewarming party.
Ask for help
If you feel like youre struggling, ask for help. Most employers have the resources to provide accommodations in order to protect their employees’ physical and mental health. Talking to others about how you’re feeling and asking your friends and family to help you out with a favor are both beneficial.
Take breaks
Be sure to take breaks throughout your work shift. During long shifts, this helps you regain focus and provides downtime. Between patient visits, think about taking a coffee break or eating with your coworkers. Additionally, some medical professionals sleep in the staff break rooms during their shifts.
Sleep well
Try to commit to healthy sleep practices. Limiting screen time before bed or establishing a bedtime for yourself may be necessary to achieve this. Being well-rested enhances productivity and maintains physical and mental health. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, look up potential solutions or seek assistance from a doctor.
Adjust on-call hours
You might be able to negotiate your on-call hours depending on your employer and level of experience. As a result, you can work fewer on-call shifts and have more free time. Speak with your supervisor if you want to permanently change your on-call times. If you only need a short break, ask your coworkers if they would be willing to fill in for you on an on-call shift.
How A Surgeon Balances Work & Life…
FAQ
How long is a surgeon’s shift?
The typical shift for a surgeon lasts between 12 and 28 hours. Their shifts might be longer in emergency situations or public health emergencies. Surgeons frequently work fewer than six days per week, with an average schedule of four days, to compensate for their lengthy shifts.
Do surgeons have a life?
Depending on how you define a rich and fulfilling life, you can be a surgeon and still lead a successful life. Former chairman of the surgical department and director of the residency program, Skeptical Scalpel is a retired surgeon.
