As a retired surgeon, the writer advises future retirees in the field to begin preparing at least ten years in advance, and to start scaling down their workload five years before retirement – taking time to consider how they genuinely wish to spend their newfound free time. — Freepik
As a retired surgeon, I recently gave a speech at a conference and noticed surgeons at various stages of their careers. Having gone through all those stages myself, I’m now pursuing my second childhood dream – to be an adventurer and traveller.
I decided to call this reflection “The metamorphosis of a surgeon”. It involves five stages: trainee surgeon, junior surgeon, intermediate surgeon, senior surgeon, retired or mentor surgeon.
Trainee surgeons
At this stage, one must go the extra mile to learn the knowledge and skills required to become a competent surgeon. It’s not like before, when we learnt through trial and error as the saying went: “You see one, assist one, and then do one.”
Now, there are enough seniors to teach and supervise. Back then, most surgeries were open procedures. Today’s trainees must master both open and technologically advanced surgical methods. It’s no easy task as it demands hard work, dedication, and an innovative mind.
Junior surgeons
This group needs to spend more time in the OT to improve their skills and knowledge, while also earning the trust of senior surgeons to get more hands-on opportunities.
It’s important to have a clear plan for subspecialisation. The current landscape no longer values being a jack of all trades, master of none.
Intermediate surgeons
At this stage, surgeons have acquired the core skills and knowledge. They continue refining their techniques, adopt new surgical methods, and most importantly, begin to give opportunities to juniors.
Senior surgeons
Senior surgeons have mastered their craft. Their surgeries reflect precision and often lead to excellent outcomes.
More than that, they play a crucial role in shaping the next generation, guiding and encouraging young surgeons to grow and excel.
Retired or mentoring surgeons
This is the stage where we must recognise when to step back – to let go of the “surgical addiction”, as every career has its expiry date.
Surgeons, like athletes, are deeply engrossed in their passion. So if you plan to retire, start preparing at least 10 years in advance. Ask yourself: How will I keep myself occupied?
Begin to revisit childhood passions you put aside for your career whether it’s sports, travelling, gardening, reading, writing or anything you have been wanting to do.
Five years before retirement, begin to scale down your workload and ramp up those other activities.
If you find it hard to imagine doing anything besides surgery, consider mentoring – teaching medical students or doing part-time, sessional surgery.
At retirement, be aware of two key concerns: occupancy and financial stability.
For most doctors, finances aren’t the main issue. But occupancy is. Many become lost without the constant engagement of work.
To me, retirement is fun and fulfilling but it depends on how each person approaches it. As a mountaineering enthusiast, I leave you with this thought:
Ascending a hill is tough.
Descending a hill is dangerous.
It all depends on your steps: focus is essential so is planning.
