Transplant Surgeon
 

Description: Transplant surgeons operate on patients to replace various organs within the human body that are no longer able to perform efficiently.

Knowledge Required: Biology, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, medical and general surgical practices.

Skills: Communication, attention to detail, dexterity, empathy, leadership, patience, physical stamina, and problem solving skills.

Career Path: Surgeons complete at least four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, and three to eight years of internship and residency.

Best Cities for this job: Chicago, Louisville, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles.

Median Annual Income: National: $230,540, CA: $209,880

Future Growth: Employment of surgeons is expected to grow by 24 percent, faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects are good for surgeons willing to practice in rural and low-income areas, because these areas typically have difficulty attracting doctors.

From the field: “The biggest thing I love about being an abdominal transplant surgeon is giving a person a second chance, another opportunity… it’s unbelievable.” –Dr. Anana Annamalai

Did you know? There are over 28,000 organ transplants a year, and every 11 minutes another person is added to the transplant waiting list.