School Student
What's surgery like?
Mr Paul Sutton
Core Surgical Trainee
I went to medical school with an inkling I wanted to become a surgeon. Whilst I considered other specialties, nothing cut it quite like surgery (pardon the pun!) During my undergraduate years I was lucky enough to be attached to some very inspirational surgeons, and I knew I’d found the specialty for me. Whilst on my elective I spent two months in Africa assisting with the surgical service in a remote Tanzanian hospital. For me this sealed the deal.
Surgery often affords a unique opportunity to improve, or sometimes even save somebody’s life. I enjoy solving problems, and even at my stage of training I feel like I’m able to make an impact. It’s hard work, challenging, and at times can be frustrating, but it’s also deeply rewarding, interesting and exciting.
My week is divided into attending operating lists and outpatient clinics, caring for patients on the ward and teaching. The latter involves me being taught by senior colleagues, and also time I enjoy devoting to undergraduate medical education. Throughout these day-to-day activities I am not only learning essential operative skills, but I’m also developing the underlying principal qualities required to become a (hopefully!) great surgeon; astute decision making, sound judgment and clear leadership. The most enjoyable part of being a surgical trainee is without doubt the operating - I think every surgeon gets a buzz when they pick up the knife!
The thing that’s helped me the most in my career so far has been drive and determination. Surgery is a tough career choice, but getting on simply comes down to hard work, commitment and the pursuit of excellence.
