General Surgeon Job Description | Hiring on LinkedIn

Illustration of a doctor in an exam room working on a computer

An effective general surgeon job description begins with an engaging summary of the role and how it functions within your organization. The description should provide an overview of your culture and the types of patients you treat, as well as the expectations for the general surgeon who treats them. List the objectives, responsibilities, and highest-priority qualifications for the role. Keep all information brief but sufficiently detailed so that candidates obtain a good understanding of what the position involves and whether it’s the right fit for them.

Sample general surgeon job description

At [Hospital X], surgeons are at the forefront of our mission to provide patients with outstanding personalized care. We’re looking for an experienced general surgeon to join our team and bring superior skills so that we and our patients can continue to thrive. In this role, the successful candidate will be well-grounded in the science of surgery, with exceptional clinical judgment for thorough and exemplary patient care. The general surgeon will use the most innovative procedures — typically involving minimal access (laparoscopic and endoscopic) techniques — and be supported by compassionate experts to guide patients through their surgery experience. We expect our general surgeons to possess a unique blend of technical knowledge and empathy that enables them to improve patient health not only during a procedure but also well into the future.

Objectives of this role

Provide clinical care to patients in accordance with regulations by obtaining patient history, ordering lab tests and diagnostic studies, and making referrals
Communicate effectively with physicians and medical staff to coordinate care
Demonstrate an excellent bedside manner and foster a satisfying patient experience
Collaborate with IT team and developers to create and implement new systems
Continually research and adopt new technologies, software, and hardware

Responsibilities

Collaborate with anesthesiologists, CRNAs, physician assistants, perioperative staff, and perianesthesia staff
Perform general surgeries and procedures, including hernia repair, cholecystectomy, abscess drainage, endoscopy, colonoscopy, appendectomy, small bowel obstruction, and colon surgery
Explain medical procedures and care plans to patients and their families
Review test results with patients and their families and identify any abnormalities
Provide palliative care, pain management, counseling, and support for end-of-life decisions
Attend departmental meetings and professional training sessions, as requested

Required skills and qualifications

Doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree from an accredited university
Board certification and current license to practice general surgery
Three to five years of experience in residency
One to three years of experience as a practicing general surgeon

Preferred skills and qualifications

Experience with terminally ill patients
Training or certification in a medical specialty