Pediatric General Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of advanced medical technology, the role of pediatric general surgeons has become even more crucial.

As healthcare innovations continue to evolve, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can perform, adapt and ensure the safety of surgical procedures for our young patients.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric general surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the complexities of pediatric general surgery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric general surgeon job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s jump right into it.

Pediatric General Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric General Surgeons specialize in the diagnosis, preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of surgical problems in children.

They are trained to operate on a variety of pediatric conditions and illnesses, often working in a team to provide comprehensive care.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and diagnosing complex and often serious health conditions in children
• Conducting pre-operative assessments and planning for surgical procedures
• Performing a wide range of surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgery, to treat illnesses, injuries, or malformations
• Providing post-operative care, including wound care and management of complications
• Collaborating with other medical specialists, such as pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and nurses, to provide holistic care for patients
• Communicating effectively with children and their families, explaining diagnoses and treatments in an empathetic and understandable manner
• Participating in research studies and clinical trials to advance the field of pediatric surgery
• Keeping up to date with the latest techniques and technologies in pediatric surgery
• Maintaining accurate and detailed medical records for all patients

 

Pediatric General Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Pediatric General Surgeon to join our team.

You will be responsible for the diagnosis, preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patient care.

You should be skilled in all aspects of pediatric surgery including neonatal, oncological, trauma, and elective surgery.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with the latest advancements in pediatric surgery and has a patient-focused approach.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform surgical procedures on pediatric patients
• Provide pre- and post-operative care for patients
• Consult with patients and their families to discuss diagnosis and treatment plans
• Collaborate with other medical professionals to form a plan of care
• Stay updated with latest trends and advancements in pediatric surgery
• Ensure all healthcare regulations and safety standards are met
• Manage and lead the pediatric surgery department
• Participate in research and further education
• Maintain a high standard of professional ethics

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree from an accredited school and completion of residency in pediatric surgery
• Board certified or board eligible in Pediatric Surgery
• Valid and active medical license
• Previous experience as a Pediatric General Surgeon
• Strong understanding of regulations and procedures in pediatric surgery
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate with good bedside manners
• Strong surgical skills and ability to make quick decisions

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric General Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. Participation in a rotating on-call schedule is required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Surgery or Chief Medical Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $410,000 minimum to $489,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric General Surgeon Do?

Pediatric General Surgeons are specialized medical professionals who focus on the surgical needs of infants, children, and teenagers.

They work in hospitals, specialty clinics, and surgical centers.

They perform a wide range of surgical procedures to treat conditions and diseases that commonly affect the young population.

These can include congenital anomalies, tumors, injuries, and infections.

Pediatric General Surgeons work closely with other pediatric specialists, such as pediatricians and pediatric anesthesiologists, to prepare patients for surgery and manage their post-operative care.

They also counsel parents or guardians about the surgical process and the child’s recovery plan.

Their job entails not only performing surgeries but also diagnosing and evaluating the need for surgery through physical examinations and medical testing.

They are also responsible for monitoring the patient’s progress post-surgery and making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

In addition to their clinical responsibilities, Pediatric General Surgeons are often involved in research and teaching, constantly staying updated on the latest surgical techniques and medical advancements that could benefit their young patients.

Their role requires a high level of expertise, compassion, and the ability to communicate effectively with both children and their parents or guardians.

 

Pediatric General Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric General Surgeon should possess a diverse set of skills and qualifications to ensure the effective treatment and care of children, including:

• Board certification in pediatric surgery, demonstrating specialized knowledge and expertise in this field.
• Exceptional hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to carry out intricate surgical procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to accurately diagnose and treat complex health conditions in children.
• Effective communication skills to clearly explain the condition, treatment options and post-surgery care to the child’s parents or guardians.
• Empathy and sensitivity to handle young patients and their families who may be dealing with stress and fear.
• Excellent teamwork skills to collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as anesthesiologists, pediatricians, and nurses to provide comprehensive care.
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, making crucial decisions swiftly during emergency situations.
• Commitment to ongoing education and staying updated with the latest advancements in pediatric surgery.
• Good physical stamina to perform surgeries that may last for several hours.

 

Pediatric General Surgeon Experience Requirements

Pediatric General Surgeons begin their career journey with a Bachelor’s Degree, often in biology, chemistry, or a related field, followed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from an accredited medical school.

Following medical school, aspiring Pediatric General Surgeons must undergo a 5-year residency in general surgery.

During this time, they will gain extensive practical experience working with patients under the guidance of experienced surgeons.

Upon the completion of a general surgery residency, they must complete a 2-year fellowship specifically in pediatric surgery.

This fellowship program provides specialized training and experience in performing surgeries on infants, children, and adolescents.

After their fellowship, they can apply for board certification in Pediatric Surgery.

This certification, while not mandatory, is highly desirable as it signifies a high level of expertise and experience.

Therefore, Pediatric General Surgeons typically have a minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience post-medical school.

In addition, many gain further experience through research, teaching, or working in a hospital setting before pursuing a career in a private practice.

Those with over 10 years of experience might also possess administrative or leadership experience and may be eligible for higher positions such as Department Head or Chief of Surgery.

 

Pediatric General Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric General Surgeons need to start their journey by completing a bachelor’s degree, usually in biology, pre-medicine, or a related field.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, aspiring pediatric surgeons must proceed to medical school for a four-year doctor of medicine (MD) program.

This program involves two years of classroom-based learning in areas such as anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology, followed by two years of clinical rotations in different areas of medicine.

Upon completing medical school, the next step is a residency program in general surgery, which usually lasts five to seven years.

This provides practical experience in various surgical procedures and patient care under the supervision of experienced surgeons.

Subsequently, they must complete a fellowship program in pediatric surgery, which typically takes an additional two years.

This focuses on the diagnosis, preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of surgical problems in children.

All states require pediatric surgeons to be licensed.

This typically involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Furthermore, board certification in general surgery and pediatric surgery from the American Board of Surgery is highly recommended.

This process involves successfully passing a series of rigorous exams.

Continuing education is important for pediatric surgeons to stay abreast of advances in medical technology, surgical procedures, and patient care protocols.

Many pediatric surgeons also engage in research and teaching activities.

 

Pediatric General Surgeon Salary Expectations

A Pediatric General Surgeon earns an average salary of $409,665 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, specialized training, and the region where they are employed.

 

Pediatric General Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric General Surgeon need?

A Pediatric General Surgeon must have a medical degree from an accredited institution.

Afterward, they should complete a residency in general surgery, followed by a fellowship in pediatric surgery.

They must also possess a valid license to practice medicine and be board-certified in both general and pediatric surgery.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric General Surgeon?

A Pediatric General Surgeon’s daily activities usually include consulting with patients and their parents, performing surgeries, diagnosing medical conditions, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

They also monitor patients’ recovery, conduct research, and keep up-to-date with the latest surgical techniques and medical advancements in pediatrics.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric General Surgeon?

A good Pediatric General Surgeon should have excellent surgical skills, a keen attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the unique medical needs and conditions of children.

They should also have strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with children and their families, explaining complex medical information in an understandable way.

Compassion, patience, and the ability to make children feel comfortable are also crucial qualities.

 

How demanding is the role of a Pediatric General Surgeon?

The role of a Pediatric General Surgeon can be extremely demanding, given the precision and care required when operating on children, coupled with the emotional strain of working with sick children and their families.

Surgeons often work long, irregular hours and may be on-call for emergencies.

However, the role can also be immensely rewarding, particularly when successful surgical interventions improve a child’s health or save a life.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric General Surgeon resume?

In addition to the necessary qualifications and certifications, look for experience in performing a wide range of pediatric surgical procedures.

Any research, publications, or involvement in professional organizations that reflect ongoing learning and commitment to the field are also positive signs.

Additionally, references that can attest to their surgical competence, bedside manner, and ability to work as part of a medical team can be very valuable.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a pediatric general surgeon.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about performing surgeries.

It’s about sculpting the future of children’s health, one surgical procedure at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive pediatric general surgeon job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating impeccable job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every surgery is a chapter in a child’s healthcare journey.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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