A general surgeon is a physician that specializes in performing medical surgeries. A general surgeon often does not have a specialty as to the type of surgery they perform; this is in contrast to specialists such as neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons, who perform a limited range of surgeries but typically have a much deeper knowledge of their particular area of specialty. Most surgeons begin their careers as a general surgeon before specializing further.

A surgeon generally spend most of their time planning and performing surgeries, medical procedures that involve cutting into a patient to diagnose and/or repair internal medical problems. General surgeons perform basic procedures and can often be observed performing surgeries such as an appendectomy.

General surgeons most often work for a hospital as part of the hospital's staff or as a private practice caregiver. A general surgeon performs their surgeries in a hospital operating room, and many work shifts that are more than 12 hours long. General surgeons spend many hours on their feet and must have excellent dexterity in their arms and hands.

General surgeons are highly trained individuals who have attended medical school after the completion of a bachelor's degree. Medical school is followed by a residency program in which a general surgeon is trained further so that they are eventually qualified and skilled enough to perform surgeries on their own. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

General Surgeon Tasks

• Diagnose and follow up with patients during clinic visits.
• Record and protect all patient information.
• Educate patients and their families on surgery risks, benefits, and follow up needs.
• Schedule, perform, and follow up with patient surgeries.

Surpassing the national average by 19 percent, General Surgeons in Pittsburgh receive some of the highest pay in the country. General Surgeons will also find cushy salaries in Baltimore (+18 percent) and Miami (+14 percent). Location is a huge contributor to overall pay, with General Surgeons in Boston earning a whopping 32 percent below the national average. Below-median salaries also turn up in Seattle and Houston (22 percent lower).