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Surgeon Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated March 4, 2025

A Surgeon, or General Surgeon, is responsible for performing surgeries on patients with injuries or illnesses. Their duties include reviewing patient x-rays and communicating with the patient about the procedure, preparing for surgery and completing surgeries with the assistance of other Surgeons, Nurses and surgical professionals and speaking with patients after the surgery to discuss its success and the recovery process.

Surgeon duties and responsibilities

Surgeons are often responsible for a variety of patient-care tasks prior to the actual surgical procedures. However, a Surgeon’s primary responsibilities will vary depending on their specialization and employer. Here are some examples of the duties that a Surgeon may perform:

  • Collect the patient’s medical history
  • Keep the chart and patient information up to date with current test results and treatments
  • Order new tests to be performed by healthcare staff
  • Review test results to identify and diagnose medical conditions
  • Develop treatment plans for patient care
  • Address any of the questions or concerns of the patient or their family
  • Aid patients through the healing process by providing post-surgical care and follow up
  • Collaborate within a team of other medical professionals

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Surgeon Job Description Examples

Example 1

Cameo Dental Specialists is seeking an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeonto join our rapidly growing practice located in the Chicagoland area. We are a multi-specialty practice with five locations equipped with state-of-the-art technology, complemented by a bespoke office aesthetic. We are proud of our developed and robust referral base coupled with a comprehensive marketing strategy that allows doctors to focus on patient care.

Our practice emphasizes dental alveolar, implant, and orthognathic surgeries focused on exceptional patient care and an outstanding referring dentist experience.

Competitive compensation is offered with a comprehensive benefits package to include malpractice and health insurance, retirement program, and CME.

Board-certified oral surgeons, active candidates and residents are invited to look at this opportunity.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • No Location: In person

    • Example 2

    Credentialing Timeframe: 30 days

    Duties:

  • Attend outpatient clinic sessions, evaluating patient complaints, making diagnoses, designing treatment plans, educating the patient and family about their condition, and initiating care
  • Prepares prescriptions accurately following federal and US Public Health Service Law and Policies
  • Contractor agrees to assure appropriateness of drug therapy
  • The General Surgeon will assure that drug therapy is safe, efficacious, and cost effective
  • Standards of care developed and adopted by the professional staff of the facility shall be the criteria for appropriateness of drug therapy
  • The Surgeon shall screen the patient health record to avoid inappropriate drug interactions and monitor patients for the appropriateness of therapy
  • Provide inpatient and outpatient General Surgery Services, medical and surgical, within the General Surgery clinic, wards and operating room at GIMC and other clinical settings as may be required for consultation from time to time
  • Provide consultative services by request from clinic at GIMC and other I.H.S. service units in the area
  • Admit patients to the inpatient units as necessary for their appropriate treatment
  • Some patients will require co-management in conjunction with other services at GIMC such as Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Specialty Surgery
  • This description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the individual
  • Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice

    Requirements

  • Current License/Registration
  • BLS

    Experience:shall have twenty four months of experience, within their specialty

    Professional Skills:

  • Competence in inpatient and outpatient surgical care
  • Competence in surgery procedures
  • Maintenance of orofessional cetrification through participation in appropriate programs for continuing medical and pharmaceutical education.

    Job Types: Contract, Temporary

    Pay: $110.00 - $160.00 per hour

    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Education:
  • Bachelor's (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • Surgery: 2 years (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • BLS Certification (Preferred)
  • Immunization records (Preferred)
  • medical license Location: One location

    • Example 3

    General Surgeon

    Part Time.

    ProHealth One invites you to apply to join our wound care team. We are seeking Wound Care Physicians, Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with a passion for and an interest in providing wound care to patients in the post-acute and long-term care setting.

    As the leading and fastest growing wound care practice we credit our success to our team's ability to achieve exceptional patient outcomes, exceed client expectations, and align with the goals and objectives of our practice.

    As a member of ProHealth, you'll enjoy a compensation plan that includes a competitive base salary with uncapped earning potential, plus the benefits of:

  • Working with some of the highest quality providers in wound care
  • No call, night or weekend coverage necessary, greater flexibility and quality of life, without compromising compensation
  • Improved patient outcomes and reduced preventable readmissions
  • Dedication to healthcare quality and process improvement
  • Support that allows you to keep your focus where it counts - practicing wound care

    Interested in becoming a Wound Care Physician team member of ProHealth? Send your CV today and don't miss the opportunity to become a member of the wound group that is setting the standard for wound care. If our practice does not meet your needs at this time, kindly pass this information along to a friend or colleague.

    Responsibilities:

  • Perform medical procedures as necessary
  • Prescribe medications and treatments
  • Assess patient health through interviews and physical examinations
  • Communicate information to patients regarding diagnosis and treatment goals
  • Maintain patient medical records
  • Facilitate referrals to other healthcare professionals and medical facilities

    Qualifications:

  • Previous experience as a physician, surgeon or other medical fields
  • Advanced knowledge of treatment and drug interactions
  • Ability to build rapport with patients
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Strong leadership qualities

    Bonus Points:

  • You have prior wound care experience
  • You have experience in a long-term care setting

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: $50,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

    Medical specialties:
  • Surgery
  • Wound Care
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • No weekends
  • Weekends only



    Application Question(s):
  • How many years of wound care experience do you have?

    License/Certification:
  • Medical License Location: In person

    • Example 4

    Excellent opportunity for someone looking to cut overhead costs.

    Duties and Responsibilities Include:
  • Diagnose and treat patients with oral diseases
  • Provides treatment and services to patients in alignment with their specialty
  • Treatment may include, administering general and local anesthetics, collaborating with other professionals, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists, to plan treatment.
  • Evaluating the position of teeth to determine whether problems exist currently or might occur in the future.
  • Performing surgery to prepare the mouth for dental implants, and to aid in the regeneration of deficient bone and gum tissues.
  • Remove impacted, damaged, and non-restorable teeth
  • Examine patients, obtain medical history and develop treatment plans
  • Monitor patient progress and maintain treatment records
  • Ensure in compliance regulatory agencies, and dental board procedures
  • Work with staff to provide quality patient care services
  • Address clinical issues promptly and accurately

    Requirements:
  • DDS DMD from accredited U.S Dental School
  • Completed Oral Surgeon Residency
  • New York State Dental License
  • Dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of care to patients
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Required skills include critical thinking, decision making, active listening, complex problem solving
  • The ability to deliver a caring and supportive environment to patients

    Job Type: Contract

    Pay: $147,196.33 - $380,523.48 per year

    Medical specialties:
  • Surgery
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • New York, NY 10022: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location

    • Example 5

    About UP Medical:

    We're on a mission to challenge and elevate the standard of specialty medical care. We do this by curating & cultivating patient-centric care journeys, following a value-based, whole-person care approach. If you are interested in cutting edge healthcare, are fellowship trained, board certified/eligible, and would appreciate growing at a fast pace, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

    We are looking for long term partners who are highly motivated to grow with a progressive, cutting edge vascular practice in Southern California. We currently have four (4) OBLs across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, and are looking for someone to be the primary Vascular Surgeon in Victorville, CA.

    This person will be doing a combination of OBL work, Hospital work, with light Clinic and some cases at Pacific VascuCare Surgery Center, which is an ASC that we are partnered with. Hospital work will be at California Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital in Downtown Los Angeles, with a smaller portion of time spent at Palmdale Regional Hospital when coverage is needed, which should be a few days per month under normal circumstances.

    We are a multi-specialty group committed to providing cutting edge healthcare, and currently have 4 vascular surgeons and 18 total providers. Our group includes the following specialties:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Podiatry
  • Behavioral Health

    Benefits Package:

  • 401k & retirement plan (4% Match)
  • Health insurance (Medical, Dental, & Vision covered for the employee 100% up to the base plan)
  • Malpractice
  • Paid time off (Starting at 14 days per year)
  • CME reimbursement & time off
  • Relocation assistance and sign-on bonus

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $350,000.00 - $500,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance
    Medical specialties:
  • Critical & Intensive Care
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pain Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Urgent Care
  • Wound Care
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday
  • Night shift
  • On call
  • Weekends as needed
    Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus opportunities

    COVID-19 considerations:
    Absolutely.



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Palmdale, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • Vascular Surgery: 2 years (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • CA Medical License Location: In person

    • Example 6

    Our long-established & highly successful multi-specialty dental group in Metro Detroit is seeking a Full-Time Oral Surgeon for our office in Livonia, MI. Overhead costs covered, excellent internal referral system along with full treatment autonomy, dedicated OS staff, and a positive/supportive company culture. If you're a passionate provider, apply now!

    Highly Competitive Compensation!
  • $350,000 Guaranteed Base vs 40% Production
    + $50,000 Sign-On Bonus

    We Offer:
  • Clinical Freedom
  • Established and Growing Patient Foundation
  • Healthcare & Dental Benefits, 401K, Short Term / Long Term Disability, Time Off
  • Malpractice Coverage
  • Continued Education Reimbursement, Paid AAOMS & State Society Dues
  • Chairside Mentoring

    Denise Lippert | Senior Doctor Recruiter
    Great Expressions Dental Centers | Cell: [phone number]

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $350,000.00 - $650,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour Location: One location

    • Example 7

    Overview:
    At Risas Dental and Braces, our focus is providing quality and affordable dental care and braces for families everywhere. Our goal is to think and speak a language that patients understand. For this reason, our Company Statement is We Speak Patient . The result is happier, healthier Patients, and better opportunities for our doctors and team members.

    We have been experiencing tremendous growth in our patient base, and we are looking for an Oral Surgeon to join our practice. The right candidate will share our commitment to quality care, is a team player, coach-able and has a positive attitude.

    This is an opportunity to pursue your passion of helping others while balancing time for family and other interests. Our offices are fully operated and controlled by local dentists, orthodontist and oral surgeons. Working at Risas you'll share expenses, ideas, and the tasks of managing an office as if it were your own.

    Our Oral Surgeons are paid competitive compensation and you'll never work alone. We take pride in doctor autonomy and if you need extra help, we'll be there to support you on your path to success. This allows you to focus on doing what's best for your Patients and enjoy a better quality of life.

    Location: 3815 N. Wadsworth Blvd, Wheat Ridge, CO Type: Contract

    Example 8

    Job Summary:

    Ali'i Health Center is seeking a board-certified General Surgeon with extensive experience and knowledge in the diagnosis, treatment, and ability to perform surgical procedures to prevent or correct injury, disease, deformities, and patient function while following established surgical techniques. The ideal candidate is proficient in conducting and supervising patient care, oversee all treatment prior to and post-surgery, identify associated risks and providing quality aftercare in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

    Job Duties and Responsibilities:

    Examining patients and making diagnoses to determine the need for surgery.

    Reviewing patients' medical history and planning the best procedure for treatment.

    Evaluating and advising patients on the risk involved with having surgery.

    Provide an explanation of medical procedures and care plans to patients and their families.

    Review test results with patients and families to report findings and identify any abnormalities.

    Following established surgical techniques during surgery.

    Directing and coordinating activities of hospital staff for proper patient care.

    Overseeing all treatments prior to and post-surgery, and identifying associated risks.

    Coordinating follow-up visits with patients and monitoring their health condition after surgery or treatment.

    Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:

    Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy degree from an accredited U.S. school of medicine or osteopathy

    Certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties

    Current state medical license

    Current state narcotics certificate

    Current federal DEA number

    Valid national provider identifier number (NPI)

    3-5 years of experience in residency

    3+ years as a practicing general surgeon

    Specialty training or certifications

    Job Types: Full-time, Contract

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Relocation assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Medical Specialty:
  • Surgery
    Schedule:
  • 12 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Evening shift
  • Holidays
  • Overnight shift
  • Overtime
  • Weekend availability

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Kailua-Kona, HI 96740: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • BC/BE (Preferred)
  • Medical License (Preferred)

    Willingness to travel:
  • 25% Location: One location
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    What does a Surgeon do? 

    Surgeons typically work for hospitals and specialty practices to perform routine or emergency surgeries on medical patients. They work closely with other medical personnel to ensure the completion of effective and safe procedures. Their job is it use their knowledge of a particular surgical specialty like pediatrics, cardiothoracic, neurological or general surgical practices to perform operations. They may be responsible for following up with patients days, weeks or months after completing a surgery to determine its success.

    Surgeon skills and qualifications

    Aside from extensive education and training, there are several skills that a truly successful and effective Surgeon should possess, such as:

    • Excellent communication skills
    • Detail-oriented
    • Leadership skills
    • Dexterity
    • Compassion
    • Patience
    • Physical stamina
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Organization skills

    Surgeon salary expectations

    A surgeon makes an average of $230,208 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

    Surgeon salary expectations

    2025-10-0168000.00283201.58646000.00YEARLY
    • Common salary: 283201.58 YEARLY
    • Typical salaries range from 68000.00 - 646000.00 YEARLY
    • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

    *Indeed data – 2025-10-01

    Surgeon education and training requirements

    As with most medical professions, becoming a Surgeon requires a great deal of formal education and training. In order to enter the field, candidates must obtain an undergraduate degree before pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree, also referred to as an M.D. degree. After graduating with their bachelor’s degree in a related field, surgical students are required to pass the Medical College Admission Test, or the MCAT. In all, a Surgeon’s formal education will take around eight years to complete.

    Aside from having to complete rigorous courses in order to earn their doctoral degree, medical students complete rotations that allow them to gain valuable, on-the-job experience caring for patients. In addition, after graduating from medical school Surgeons must complete a surgical residency at a hospital. The length of residencies varies, but they can take anywhere from three to eight years to complete.

    Surgeon experience requirements

    The amount of experience required for a surgical position really depends on the needs and preferences of the employer. Generally speaking, by the time a Surgeon is able to apply for surgical positions, they have already gone through extensive training and education to prepare them for the role. A Surgeon’s residency can last three to seven years and is possibly their most valuable and relevant experience when entering the job market.

    However, the amount of experience required is also dependent on a Surgeon’s chosen specialty. Their focus may require a more intense residency program, both in duration and demands.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If you’re looking for candidates for similar roles to the Surgeon, see our job description templates for related positions:

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    Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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