What It’s Like Being in Surgery as a Junior Doctor: Expectations vs. Reality

asperharry
Jan 2
3 min read

Surgery as a junior doctor... If you’ve been there, you know it’s a world of highs, lows, and everything in between. It’s intense, exciting, sometimes intimidating, and always a challenge. So, grab a coffee (mine's gone cold at this point), and let me walk you through what it’s really like to work in the surgical department, the personalities you’ll encounter, and how to navigate this space as a junior doctor.

The Stereotypical "Surgical Personality"

You’ve probably heard it before—surgeons have a reputation. They’re often seen as perfectionists, particular, and, let’s be honest, sometimes a bit intense. Sure, there are surgeons who fit that mold, but honestly, you’ll find challenging personalities in every specialty. What I’ve noticed, though, is that a lot of the "intensity" in surgery comes from the high stakes. When you're in the operating theatre, there’s no room for error—everything has to be just right for the patient’s safety.

For a junior doctor, that can feel overwhelming. If you make a mistake or miss a detail, you might feel the heat. But over time, you start to realise it’s not personal. It’s about the patient and getting the best outcome. Once you understand that, it’s easier to grow a thicker skin and learn from those moments instead of dwelling on them.

Adapting to Different Styles

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to adapt to different surgeons' styles. Every consultant has their own way of doing things—some are super chill, others are incredibly particular. It’s like being a chameleon: you learn to adjust to their preferences and expectations.

For example, you might assist one surgeon who does a procedure a certain way, and then the next day, someone else does it completely differently. You have to roll with it. It’s less about finding your way right now and more about figuring out how to support the surgeon in front of you. That flexibility not only helps you in the moment but also builds trust with your bosses, which is a massive win as a junior doctor.

The Reality of Learning in Surgery

Let’s talk about skill-building. Surgery is very much like leveling up in a video game. Each procedure is broken down into steps, and as a junior doctor, you might start by observing or handling the simpler tasks. Over time, you get to take on more, but only if you’ve mastered the basics.

It’s not black-and-white—you don’t just wake up one day and know how to do a whole operation. You learn step by step. And yeah, sometimes you’ll mess up or hit a roadblock. That’s where asking the right questions and knowing when to escalate comes in.

Consultants are there to guide you, but you have to put in the prep work—know your patients, know the procedure, and be ready to adapt.

Dealing with the Tough Days

Not every day in surgery is smooth sailing. Negative interactions—whether it’s with a senior colleague, or even a piece of equipment that doesn’t cooperate—can shake your confidence. Early on, I had moments where I thought, “What am I even doing here?” But here’s the thing: one tough moment shouldn’t define your experience.

Take a step back, reflect, and remember your goals. If surgery is something you truly want to do, don’t let one bad day or interaction derail you. Use those moments to grow, learn, and, if needed, adjust your approach.

What Makes Surgery Worth It

For me, surgery is a constant opportunity to level up. You’re always learning, whether it’s perfecting a technique, solving unexpected challenges mid-operation, or understanding how to navigate team dynamics. It’s also incredibly satisfying to see tangible results from your work—whether it’s fixing a patient’s problem or mastering a new skill.

And honestly? A lot of what makes surgery great is the people. I’ve been lucky to work with consultants and colleagues who genuinely care about teaching and helping me grow. When someone invests in you because they see your interest and effort, it’s incredibly motivating.

Surgery as a junior doctor is a wild, rewarding journey. It’s not without its challenges, but those challenges are what help you grow. If you’re a medical student, intern, or junior doctor thinking about surgery, don’t let the stereotypes or a bad day put you off. Keep your eye on the bigger picture, stay adaptable, and remember why you got into medicine in the first place.

At the end of the day, it’s all about leveling up, one step (or operation) at a time.

keep grinding and keep learning :)

Watch the video for a deeper dive