Research Paper on Surgeons

Ever since I was little I can remember always wanting to be a doctor when I grew up. Now that I am older I know that I want to become an orthopedic surgeon. I know that television shows aren't real, but medical shows have always inspired me to become some type of doctor. The person who has inspired me the most is my orthopedic doctor that I went to for my knee problems. My thesis on doctors is that a career as an orthopedic surgeon is better than a career as a regular physician because the benefits, salary, job environment, and aspects are better.

Physicians and practicing medicine have been around for a long time. The father of modern medicine was Hippocrates. Hippocrates was born in 460 B.C. and dies in 377 B.C. He changed the course of Greek medicine by his idea that disease was not caused by gods or spirits but was the result of natural actions ("Hippocrates" www.notablebiographics.com 25 Feb. 2011). Medical education in America was not always the complicated process that it is today. One hundred years ago, medical school lasted less than a year. Minimum age requirement was twenty one years old. The medical degree was granted regardless of what your grades were. All teaching was done by lectures; they did not get any clinical experience (Sugar-Webb 13).

Physicians examine patients; obtain medical histories; order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests; and treat injuries, illness, and disorders. Training is long and arduous, they have to go to school for a long time. They usually work in small offices or clinics assisted by a small staff of nurses and other administrative personnel ("Physicians and Surgeons" www.bls.gov 11 Feb. 2011). Earning vary according to specialty. They have irregular schedules; they work between fifty and sixty hours a week (Blythe 1). Once they enter medical school it takes at least four years to complete. Last two years of medical school include working under the supervision of experienced physicians. After medical school and passing an exam all go to do a residency program.

Any physician that wants to practice medicine must go into a residency program, in the area that interests them. You must pass an exam after medical school to get into any residency program. It involves them in the opportunity for involvement in research and to for becoming a part of the teaching of medical students. It also provides them with clinical skills. On the average residents spent over seventy four hours a week in their residency program in 1987. The average number of hours worked in the first years is always higher. The number of hours worked and stress involved in being a resident have been causes of concern for years.

Employment for physicians and surgeons is projected to grow twenty two percent from 2008 to 2018. This is much faster than any other occupation out there. Job growth will occur because of continued expansion of health-care related industries. Many medical schools are increasing their enrollments based on perceived new demands for physicians. Opening will occur from the need to replace the high number of physicians expected to retire between 2008 and 2018. Prospects should be good for doctors willing