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Becoming a Surgeon

What are the qualities and skills needed to be a Surgeon?

	Prof. Spencer Beasley Paediatric Surgeon "Good surgery is usually rewarded with good outcomes."
	Assoc. Prof. Helen O'Connell Urological Surgeon "My favourite work is the actual operating."
	Dr. Wendy Brown General Surgeon "No surgeon has a perfectly balanced life..."
	Dr. Simon Williams Orthopaedic Surgeon "I was lucky enough to work with some outstanding surgeons who subsequently became mentors."

Trainees are required to demonstrate competence across all nine of the following competencies:

• Technical expertise 
• Medical expertise 
• Judgement - Clinical decision making 
• Communication 
• Collaboration 
• Management and Leadership 
• Health Advocacy 
• Scholar and Teacher 
• Professionalism and Ethics 

What areas do Surgeons work in?

The College trains doctors to become surgeons in the following nine specialities:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
• Paediatric Surgery
• Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
• Urology
• Vascular Surgery

A guide to Surgical Education and Training (SET)

This publication provides a general overview of the SET Program and entry requirements for each of the nine surgical specialties. Requirements and timelines can change from year to year therefore potential applicants to the SET Program are strongly advised to monitor the College and relevant Specialist Society websites. Selection information for the following year is published annually in November.

View the guide to SET booklet (PDF 271Kb)

How do I train to be a Surgeon?

Trainees are selected directly into one of the nine SET programs. The earliest point at which application can be made for the first year of training (SET1) is during Postgraduate Year 2 (PGY2) with entry for successful trainees in Postgraduate Year 3 (PGY3). The majority of trainees commence training at SET 1 level. Upon satisfactory completion of all SET1 training and assessment requirements, trainees move into SET2 without further selection.

All SET trainees are allocated an accredited hospital training position by the relevant Specialty Board. Trainees are allocated to positions that the Specialty Board aligns with their training needs.

The duration of the SET program varies between specialties but is generally between 5 and 6 years. Advancement is dependent on satisfactory progress. SET Trainees must be prepared to be assigned to a unit outside of their home region or country (as applicable).

How do I get selected?

The selection process has two stages - Registration and Application.  Selection is a competitive process; there are minimum eligibility criteria and speciality specific criteria. 

Contact

For further information please email us at: becomingasurgeon@surgeons.org