General Surgery

Vijay P Wadhawan | Doctor | Surbhi Hospital

What is General Surgery?

General Surgery is a great Career option. One should first understand What a Career in General Surgery entails before investing time and effort to figure out How to start a Career in General Surgery. Just like you would normally not trust a non Doctor with names of medicines, you should also not trust opinions about General Surgery from non professionals.

With 46 years of professional experience, Doctor Vijay P Wadhawan understands General Surgery. Doctor Vijay P Wadhawan defines General Surgery as:

General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents including esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland (depending on local referral patterns).

How Doctor Vijay P Wadhawan got into General Surgery?

After my graduation and post graduation in Medicine from Agra University, I worked with various Hospitals as a general surgeon. I am working with Surbhi Hospital, Noida since 2007.

Doctor Vijay P Wadhawan's Talk on General Surgery

The Journey of a General Surgeon: Dr. Vijay Vadhavan's Lifelong Commitment to Saving Lives Dr. Vijay Vadhavan has dedicated over five decades to the field of general surgery, a path marked by immense responsibility, continuous learning, and personal satisfaction. As he shares insights from his extensive career, Dr. Vadhavan describes not only the technical demands of his profession but also the profound emotional rewards that come from saving lives. In this article, we will explore what general surgery entails, the educational background and skills required, the positives and challenges inherent in the profession, and a glimpse into a typical day in the life of Dr. Vadhavan. What Is General Surgery? General surgery is a branch of medicine focused on a wide range of surgical procedures that address various conditions in the human body. This includes operations to remove the appendix, repair hernias, address gallbladder issues, and manage injuries to the intestines and kidneys. Dr. Vadhavan explains that general surgery often encompasses diverse and complex cases, ranging from elective surgeries to emergency interventions, requiring surgeons to possess a broad understanding of the human anatomy and surgical techniques. Education Biology To embark on a career in general surgery, a strong foundation in biology is essential. This includes a thorough understanding of the sciences—physics, chemistry, zoology, and botany—which form the basis of medical knowledge. Dr. Vadhavan emphasizes that biology is not just about understanding living organisms; it is fundamental to grasping how different systems in the body operate and interact. Anatomy Anatomy is a critical subject in the education of a surgeon, as it involves the comprehensive study of the human body structure. According to Dr. Vadhavan, mastering anatomy allows surgeons to visualize the intricate details of bodily components, understanding everything from external features to internal organs. Knowledge of anatomy is paramount for performing surgeries safely and effectively. Physiology Physiology, which focuses on the functions and processes of the body systems, plays a significant role in surgery. Dr. Vadhavan highlights that a solid grasp of physiology helps surgeons comprehend how surgical interventions can affect bodily functions, aiding in better pre-operative planning and post-operative care. Pharmacology In pharmacology, surgeons learn about the medications that are crucial in surgical procedures. This includes understanding drug interactions, dosages, and contraindications. Dr. Vadhavan notes that familiarity with pharmacology is essential when prescribing pain management and other medications that will impact the patient's recovery post-surgery. Social Preventive Medication Social preventive medicine encompasses public health principles and practices that inform a surgeon's approach to patient care. Dr. Vadhavan emphasizes the importance of hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention in the surgical field, which ultimately leads to better health outcomes for the community. Pathology Pathology is the study of diseases and the changes they cause within the body, an area that surgeons must understand deeply. As stated by Dr. Vadhavan, knowledge of pathology is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, as it informs the surgical approach based on the disease process present in the patient. Diagnosis The ability to diagnose conditions accurately is one of the key proficiencies a surgeon must develop. Dr. Vadhavan illustrates this by describing a scenario where a patient presented with typical signs of appendicitis, yet the actual issue turned out to be a gangrenous cecum upon surgical exploration. This ability to diagnostically separate symptoms from underlying conditions underscores the takeaways from his extensive training. Surgical Procedures Dr. Vadhavan mentions that mastering surgical procedures is essential for success in general surgery. This includes both elective surgeries, which require meticulous pre-operative preparation, and emergency surgeries that demand quick and decisive action. His experiences illustrate that due diligence in surgical protocols leads to improved patient safety and outcomes. Skills Decision Making A surgeon must possess strong decision-making skills to determine when surgery is necessary. Dr. Vadhavan explains that the decision to operate or adopt a conservative treatment lies falls upon the surgeon’s judgment, emphasizing the importance of clear reasoning in both routine and high-pressure situations. Excellent Vision Surgeons require excellent vision, both literally and figuratively. Dr. Vadhavan highlights that the ability to assess and visualize the surgical field, as well as anticipate possible complications, is crucial for success. Sharp clinical insight allows him to navigate unexpected findings, as he recounted an instance where he identified an unexpected gangrenous condition during surgery. Manual Dexterity Successful surgical outcomes often hinge on manual dexterity, a skill that combines precision, hand-eye coordination, and experience. Dr. Vadhavan notes that surgeries often require teamwork, with multiple surgeons collaborating to ensure the procedure goes smoothly, particularly in complex cases that need many helping hands. Hands & Eye Coordination Effective surgery demands optimal hand-eye coordination. Dr. Vadhavan states that this skill is vital when performing delicate operations, as any misalignment could lead to serious consequences. The surgeon's physical capabilities contribute significantly to the overall efficacy of the procedure. Empathy Bedside manner is crucial in surgery, where empathy plays a vital role in patient interactions. Dr. Vadhavan emphasizes that being able to communicate clearly with patients and their families about procedures builds trust and ensures informed consent, which he considers essential to his practice. Positives Mental Satisfaction One of the most rewarding aspects of being a surgeon is the mental satisfaction derived from saving lives. Dr. Vadhavan articulates that experiencing the gratitude of a healed patient instills a deep sense of purpose, emphasizing that this fulfillment is something that keeps him motivated throughout his career. Respect Surgeons are respected within the medical community and by patients alike. Dr. Vadhavan reflects on the enduring relationships he has fostered with patients, many of whom express lifelong gratitude for the surgeries that have improved their health and lives. Monetary Potential While Dr. Vadhavan acknowledges the monetary potential within surgery, he stresses that ethical practice is paramount. He asserts that financial gains should never come at the cost of patient welfare, advocating for fair and just treatment approaches. Never Ending Process The field of surgery is a lifelong learning journey. Dr. Vadhavan insists that continuous education is necessary, as new techniques and technologies emerge. Even in his sixties, he actively pursues training in laparoscopic surgery, showcasing his commitment to remaining proficient in his field. Challenges Time Management Surgeons often grapple with managing their time effectively, especially under pressure. Dr. Vadhavan reveals that time is of the essence, particularly during emergencies where rapid decision-making and swift actions can make the difference between life and death. High Stress The stress associated with surgical procedures can be high. As Dr. Vadhavan elaborates, the pressure does not cease once the operation concludes; the surgeon remains vigilant until the patient fully recovers, which can lead to prolonged periods of stress. No Work Life Balance A surgeon's commitment can sometimes come at the cost of personal life. Dr. Vadhavan shares that being available whenever the need arises for surgery means sacrificing family time, highlighting the demanding nature of this profession that often requires constant readiness to respond to emergencies. A Day Of General Surgery Dr. Vadhavan's day typically begins early, rising at 6 AM for morning prayers and a brief walk before starting his busy schedule. He performs surgeries in the morning, meticulously attending to patients in the OPD afterward. His day can extend into late hours with emergency surgeries often occurring at unpredictable times, underscoring the dynamic and sometimes chaotic nature of his work. In conclusion, Dr. Vijay Vadhavan's journey in general surgery highlights a profession that is both rewarding and demanding. The combination of rigorous education, critical skills, and the dedication to continuous improvement paints a picture of the complexities involved in saving lives. While the challenges are significant, the rewards of mental satisfaction and lasting respect from patients affirm the profound impact that general surgeons have within healthcare and society. As Dr. Vadhavan’s experiences illustrate, the art of surgery is not just a career but a lifelong commitment to bettering the lives of others.

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How to get into

General Surgery?

If you are want to get into General Surgery, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in General Surgery is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into General Surgery, what education and skills you need to succeed in General Surgery, and what positives and challenges you will face in General Surgery.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in General Surgery.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.

LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Doctor Vijay P Wadhawan's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/vijaypwadhawan

LifePage Career Talk on General Surgery

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/general-surgery

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20180104-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCq9nVcrtIw

(General Surgery, Vijay P Wadhawan, Surbhi Hospital, Doctor, Surgeon, Surgery, Medicine, Medical Profession, Surgical Procedure)

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