Cosmetic Surgeons

Employers

When a cosmetic surgeon works in private practice, either alone or with a group of other specialists offering their services, the surgeon is essentially self-employed and running his or her own business. Surgeons may also work for hospitals, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), or the government, such as at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, universities employ a number of surgeons in academic positions. Approximately 58,000 surgeons (including cosmetic surgeons) are employed in the United States.

Starting Out

All physicians are required to have a medical degree. Beyond that, there are many options for entering various specialties. Four years of residency training is required of all surgeons certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). However, the nature of that residency training, and to some extent, the location, may be up to the individual. To become certified by the ABCS, candidates must first complete a residency program and meet other requirements.

Cosmetic surgeons can learn about job openings via networking, through contacts made during their training (including fellowships), by viewing job listings on the Internet and in professional journals, and by visiting the Web sites of hospitals and other organizations that employ surgeons.