Physician Specialties

General Surgery

A general surgeon is prepared to manage a broad spectrum of surgical conditions affecting almost any area of the body. The surgeon establishes the diagnosis and provides the preoperative, operative, and postoperative care to surgical patients. Surgeons are familiar with many congenital, infectious and metabolic problems, and are often care providers for those with cancer. The surgeon uses a variety of diagnostic techniques, including endoscopy, for observing internal structures. They may use specialized instruments during operative procedures. A general surgeon must be familiar with the nature of other surgical specialties in order to know when to refer a patient to another specialist.

General surgeons are certified by the American Board of Surgery.