How to Become an ER Surgeon
Becoming an ER surgeon (also known as a trauma surgeon or critical care surgeon) is a lengthy and challenging process, but well worth the time and effort that is required. This career requires a great deal of education both to become a surgeon and to maintain your license. The rewards for a career as a surgeon are just as extensive as the requirements to attain it.
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Instructions
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Earn your undergraduate degree. You will first need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Although not specifically required, a degree in one of the sciences is highly recommended.
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Complete a four-year medical school program. After you have earned your bachelor's, you will need to attend a medical school program. Your program will need to be accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Upon completion, you will have earned your doctor's of medicine degree (MD).
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Complete your residency program. Your residency should be in general surgery, which is a five-year program. Residency programs can be found through the National Resident Matching Program website (see Resources).
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Complete a fellowship program. There are two different fellowship programs that will enhance your education, a trauma fellowship and an acute care surgery fellowship. There are also some programs that offer these two fellowships in a combined two-year program. You can find a list of trauma and acute care surgery fellowship programs at the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma website (see Resources).
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Earn your license to practice medicine. Once all educational and training requirements have been met, you will need to complete a series of exams to become licensed to practice medicine in your state or locality.
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Tips & Warnings
There is no board certification currently available for trauma surgery. It is recommended that candidates interested in trauma surgery seek board certification general surgery status through the American Board of Surgery (ABS).
