Master of Surgery

Starting a surgical practice after completing an MS degree comes with several hurdles.

• High Setup Costs: Renting clinic space, purchasing surgical equipment, and hiring staff require huge investment. 
• Building a Patient Base: Establishing credibility and attracting patients takes time, requiring marketing and referrals. 
• Legal & Licensing Hurdles: Obtaining hospital privileges, medical licenses, and malpractice insurance is time-consuming. 
• Competition from Senior Surgeons: Many hospitals prefer experienced surgeons, making job placements challenging. 
• Work-Life Balance: Managing long surgical hours while building a private practice can be exhausting. 
• Lack of Business Knowledge: Running a practice requires financial management, networking, and administrative skills.

An MS degree from India is widely recognized, but licensing exams and additional qualifications are required in many countries.

• USA: Requires USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) and residency for foreign-trained surgeons. 
• UK: MS graduates must clear PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) and pursue further training. 
• Canada: Requires MCCQE (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination) and residency equivalency. 
• Australia: Needs the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exam and supervised clinical practice. 
• Germany: MS holders must pass language proficiency tests and undergo medical equivalency programs. 
• Middle East: Many Gulf countries recognize Indian MS degrees, with licensing exams like DHA, HAAD, MOH.

Selecting the right Medical college is crucial for quality education and career growth. Consider the following factors before making a decision:

• Ranking & Reputation: Look for AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and other top institutes recognised for surgical training.
• Faculty & Infrastructure: Check the availability of experienced faculty, operation theaters, and research facilities.
• Specialization Availability: Ensure the college offers the desired MS specialization with adequate exposure.
• Clinical Exposure: Opt for institutions with high patient inflow, providing hands-on surgical experience.
• Placement & Career Opportunities: Research alumni success, fellowships, and hospital tie-ups for future prospects.
• Fee Structure & Location: Government colleges are more affordable, while private colleges may have high tuition fees.
   

During MS training, students perform and assist in hundreds of surgeries, depending on the specialisation and institution. In general surgery, trainees are expected to conduct 300-500 procedures over three years, covering minor and major surgical interventions. These include appendectomies, hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, and emergency trauma surgeries.

The surgical exposure increases with clinical postings, residency programs, and mentorship from senior surgeons. Many top institutions provide opportunities for robotic and laparoscopic surgeries, enhancing skills in modern surgical techniques. By the final year, MS students gain enough experience to operate independently under supervision, preparing them for real-world surgical practice.