Vascular Surgeon
Job Description:Vascular surgeons are medical specialists who focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the blood vessels in the body, excluding those of the heart and brain
Job Category:What you will do:
Here are the key responsibilities and activities typically associated with the role of vascular surgeons:
- assess patients with a wide range of vascular disorders
- conduct thorough physical examinations, review medical histories, and order diagnostic tests
- develop customised treatment plans tailored to the individual’s needs and the severity of the disease
- prescribe medications to manage vascular conditions
- create vascular access sites, such as arteriovenous fistulas or grafts, for patients who require hemodialysis or other medical therapies that involve frequent access to the bloodstream
- provide care for patients with traumatic injuries to blood vessels
- perform embolisation procedures to block blood vessels
- work to prevent amputations in patients with severe peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- educate patients about their conditions, treatment options, and lifestyle changes that can improve vascular health
Skills:
You’ll need:
- medical skills
- science skills
- biology knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to solve problems quickly (creative skills)
- the ability to use your judgement and make good decisions
- thinking and reasoning skills
- organisational skills
- counselling skills including active listening and a
non-judgemental approach
Entry Requirements:
To become a Vascular Surgeon, specific qualifications are not required. However, certain subjects and skills can be beneficial in preparing for your future career in medicine and surgery. Here are some subjects that can be valuable for aspiring Vascular Surgeons:
- Sciences: Strong grades in biology, chemistry, and physics are highly beneficial because they provide a solid foundation in the natural sciences, which are crucial for understanding human anatomy, physiology, and the principles of surgical procedures.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are essential for performing calculations related to patient care, medication dosages, and interpreting medical research data.
- English: Excellent communication skills, including reading, writing, and spoken communication, are crucial for success in medical school, patient interactions, and documentation.
- Additional Sciences: Subjects like human biology or applied science may be offered and can provide insights into the human body, diseases, and medical terminology.
Post School
University
Enrol in a medical school program that leads to an MBBS or equivalent degree. Medical school typically lasts for five to six years and includes both classroom studies and clinical training, such as:
- Bachelor of Medicine
- Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or Equivalent
Foundation Year Training
After medical school, you will undergo a foundation year of supervised medical practice, which provides exposure to various medical specialties.
Vascular Surgery Residency
Apply for a residency program in vascular surgery, which typically lasts for five to six years. During this specialised training, you will gain expertise in diagnosing and treating vascular diseases and performing surgical procedures.
Licensing and Certification
To practice medicine and surgery, you will need to obtain a medical license. Additionally, consider pursuing board certification in vascular surgery through relevant medical boards or organisations.
Becoming a Vascular Surgeon is a challenging but rewarding journey that requires a strong educational background in the sciences, dedication to patient care, and a commitment to performing complex surgical procedures to treat vascular conditions.
Working Hours and Environment:
Typically you could work 40 to 42 hours a week, including evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays.
You could work in a public or private hospital.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career Path & Progression:
Once board-certified and licensed, vascular surgeons can begin their clinical practice. They work in hospitals, academic medical centers, private practices, or multispecialty surgical groups.
Experienced vascular surgeons may take on leadership roles within their institutions or engage in research to advance the field of vascular surgery.