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Can you really have a successful career as a surgeon and an engineer?
For someone to become both a surgeon and an engineer, consider both professions on how to become a certified medical surgeon and an engineer per see.
What does a medical surgeon do?
A medical surgeon is a doctor who specializes in surgeries. They are responsible for planning and performing surgeries, as well as managing the post-operative care of patients. Surgeons may specialize in a particular type of surgery, such as cardiac surgery or neurosurgery. They may also specialize in a certain area of the body, such as the head, neck, or abdomen.
Types of Medical Surgeons?
There are many different types of medical surgeons. The most common type is a general surgeon. These surgeons operate on a wide variety of areas in the body. They can perform surgeries such as gallbladder removals and C-sections. There are also pediatric surgeons who specialize in surgeries for children. Cardiothoracic surgeons operate on the heart and lungs. Neurosurgeons operate on the brain and spinal cord. Plastic surgeons perform surgery to improve the appearance of the face and body. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgeries for bones and joints.
How to Become a Medical Surgeon in the Philippines?
General Overview (Step-by-step)
- 4 years of Pre-med Course / Bachelor’s degree in college
- 4 years of Medicine proper (the 4th year as a clerk in the hospital)
- 1 year as an intern at a hospital
- Pass the Physician Licensure exam
- Residency training (3-5 years; 5 years for general surgery)
- Fellowship (subspecialty training). If you finish your residency as a general surgeon for the fellowship, you could subspecialize in something like neurosurgery.
*As per the state-run University of the Philippines, an additional entry point for the top 50 freshmen inclined to go into medicine is the 7-year integrated arts and medicine curriculum, which includes 2 years of liberal arts and 4 years of medical school, and a year of rotating internship.
As you can see, becoming a medical surgeon takes a lot of time and resources; needless to say, a tremendous amount of effort pliable to obtain the level of expertise of a practicing medical surgeon.
A practicing medical surgeon attains a higher level of expertise over time. Thus, after being fully fledge after residency or subspecialty trainings, one has to practice surgery over time to be an expert surgeon until their retirement.
That’s why in-demand surgeons, even after reaching old age, are still given more credits and preference because of their level of expertise and experience.
What Does an Engineer Do?
An engineer is a professional who uses science and mathematics to design and analyze machines, materials, and systems. Engineers work in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and transportation.
Types of Engineering?
There are many different types of engineering. Civil engineering, for example, deals with the design and construction of public works like bridges, roads, and buildings. Mechanical engineering is the study of engines and machines. Electrical engineering is the study of electricity and its use in technology. And computer engineering is the study of designing and creating computer systems.
How to be an Engineer in the Philippines?
A feature of engineering programs at Saint Louis University
SLU, thru its School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), offers Five-year undergraduate programs in engineering, namely, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE), Chemical Engineering(BSChE), and Electrical Engineering(BSEE) are just some of its programs.
Graduate degree programs are also being offered, such as,
Doctor of Engineering major in
- Informatics
- Urban Planning
- Environmental Engineering
Master of engineering programs major in Chemical engineering, among others, and
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, among others.
As per its programs, rigorously trained and creative engineers and architects are vital to achieving a knowledge-based, sustainable future.
General Assessment on Becoming a Surgeon and an Engineer
There are a lot of things to consider in taking a career in both engineering and surgical medicine. Aside from the lengthy process, amount of resources/funds, and invested efforts, one should also consider the balance in life and career in the long run.
Pondering these questions, “Will it be sustainable? And Why does someone wish to pursue a career in both fields? might serve as an eye-opener should someone have a plan to engage in both areas of specialty in the future.
Though it is a nascent idea, advances in both medicine and engineering would act as the bridge to merge both fields to be a highly effective tool for surgeons and engineers to create better outcomes for patients in the area of medicine thru both an amenable and successful collaboration.
Can You Really be a Surgeon and an Engineer?
There are many people who are both surgeons and engineers. These two professions have a lot in common because they both require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, some people may wonder if it is possible to be successful as both a surgeon and an engineer.
There are few surgeons in the world who are also engineers. They have the skills necessary to solve problems and think critically. In fact, many medical devices are designed by engineers who have a background in surgery. This allows them to design medical devices that are effective and safe for patients.
Being a surgeon and an engineer takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but it is possible to be successful in both professions. If you are interested in becoming a surgeon and an engineer, then you need to be prepared to work hard, have long years of studies, and have sleepless nights.
Takeaway: Surgeon and an Engineer
Blending engineering and surgery into one role is possible – become a Medical Engineer!
Medical engineers apply engineering principles to solve clinical problems. They have created medical products that combine anatomy and physiology with technology which yield higher quality healthcare for surgical patients.
Lots of opportunities await medical engineers in research, development, and quality assurance, as well as medical devices’ development and evaluation.
They can aid hospitals and medical clinics with the latest purchases in biomedical technology by evaluating their needs and what’s available on the market. They can also specialize in nanotechnology, stem cell research, or other areas of cutting-edge medicine.
The avenues that combine healthcare with electronics are expanding all the time. Thus, the role requires keen attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and analytical thinking.
You must obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related program to enter this field. You will need to go on to graduate with a master’s or Ph.D. in medical engineering.
