Become a Neonatal Surgeon: Skills & Prerequisites

Neonatal Surgeon at a Glance

Neonatal surgeons are sub-specialists in pediatric surgery; they perform surgery on premature and critically ill newborns. They have extensive knowledge in surgical repair of birth defects and much more. Check out the chart below for more information.

Sources: *Salary.com **U.S. Bureau of Statistics

What Does a Neonatal Surgeon Do?

Neonatal surgeons operate on newborns ('neonates') with birth defects and critical illnesses. They specialize in surgery for newborns with congenital conditions, breathing/lung problems, and issues related to the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, and abdomen. Health issues may be detected prior to birth with medical scans.

Examples of problems that neonatal surgeons handle include laryngomalacia and Hirschsprung's disease. Laryngomalacia is when the cartilage voice box is too soft and can collapse, causing breathing difficulties. Hirschsprung's disease is a complex disorder in which the end of the bowel is blocked due to the underdevelopment of nerve cells, making it difficult to pass stool.

What Degree is Required?

To become a neonatal surgeon, you must go through 4 years of medical school; this would be after obtaining a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Upon graduating from medical school, you will go on to attend a 5-year residency program in general surgery. You will then get your certification with the American Board of Surgery (ABS) in general surgery.

Following general surgery certification, you will need to attend an approved 2-year pediatric surgery fellowship program. This program will involve gaining experience in surgical management of critically ill pediatric patients and should have a strong neonatal component. You will also gain knowledge in oncology, pediatric cases, performing minimally invasive surgeries, and more. You are then able to earn your certification through the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). By completing the required ABP Pediatric Surgery Qualifying and Certifying Exams, you will become a qualified pediatric surgeon.

What Kind of Skills Do I Need to Have?

Neonatal surgeons require exceptional dexterity to work in the operating room with sharp tools on newborns. They need to have communication skills to talk to staff, parents and patients about the diagnosis and the continued steps for the infant being treated. However, they must also be compassionate and understanding of what the patient and family are going through.

Neonatal surgeons typically have significant physical stamina because they lift patients and perform other physical tasks along with conducting long surgeries. They must problem solve and think critically regarding their extensive training and knowledge to diagnose and treat patients. Being detailed oriented and organized is essential to the success of surgical operations.

What Will I Earn?

Pediatric surgeons earned an average of $465,560 per year, according to Salary.com in 2021. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a decline in job growth of 3% between 2020-2030 for all surgeons. Surgeons are known to work long hours, overnight shifts, and irregular schedules with times of being on call to their hospitals or clinics.

Are There Any Alternative Careers?

Neonatologists are physicians who specialize in critical care of newborns; they may coordinate the care for an infant and schedule an operation with a neonatal surgeon if needed. If you want less schooling, consider an occupation like neonatal physician assistant that requires a master's degree and a one-year residency but also enables you to look over, diagnose, and treat patients. Neonatal nurses are another option. They work in the neonatal intensive care unit and administer care to critically ill newborns.