Healthcare job options...?

Question

OK, I am only 14, but I know that I want to go into medicine when I'm older.

I'd love to do something with operation, so surgeon type, but something that would help other people, so nothing like plastic surgeon which is materialistic.

I'd like some ideas of different types of medical work that involves operating.

[I'm not choosing already, but I'm just curious]

Thank you.

Answer 1

Firstly, congratulations on wanting to do medicine. It is a noble calling, but one that involves (as Edison puts it) 1% inspiration and 99% hard work. It isn't as glamorous as TV shows/society would have you think, but it is very rewarding, especially when you go home at the end of the day and you know, deep down in your heart, that you've actually helped somebody recover from their illness! It's an amazing feeling, like no other.

In terms of surgical training, the pathway is: medical school (5-7years)--> graduate with an MBBS or MD ---> work as junior doctor --> apply and enter training in College of Surgeons --> train as a specific type of surgeon. (may take 5-10yrs, depending on surgical specialty)

Here's a list of major surgical specialties:

Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology, Vascular Surgery

Have a look at the website (I've put it as a source), and explore a bit. google the words you don't understand. Have fun exploring!