Surgeons

Employers

Approximately 58,000 surgeons are employed in the United States. Many licensed physicians and surgeons in the United States work in private solo or group practices. About 20 percent work for hospitals, and others work for federal and state government agencies, educational services, and outpatient care facilities.

Starting Out

Many new physicians and surgeons choose to join existing practices instead of attempting to start their own. Establishing a new practice is costly, and it may take time to build a patient base. In a clinic, group practice, or partnership, physicians share the costs for medical equipment and staff salaries, and of establishing a wider patient base.

Surgeons who hope to join an existing practice may find leads through their medical school or residency. During these experiences, they work with many members of the medical community, some of whom may be able to recommend them to appropriate practices.

Another approach would be to check the various medical professional journals, which often run ads for physician positions. Aspiring physicians can also hire a medical placement agency to assist them in the job search.

Physicians who hope to work for a managed care organization or government-sponsored clinic should contact the source directly for information on position availability and application procedures.