General Surgeon

A Focus on Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore General Surgeon Lawyer

Understanding General Surgeons

General surgeons are medical professionals who have completed extensive training in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries through surgical procedures. They are often generally considered the “jacks-of-all-trades” in the medical field, as they can perform a wide range of surgeries on various parts of the body. If you have been injured, then you may have a medical malpractice claim and need the Baltimore general surgeon lawyer.

Education and Training

The path to becoming a general surgeon typically involves:

• Undergraduate Degree: Firstly, a bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field, is a prerequisite for medical school.
• Medical School: Then successful completion of a four-year medical school program is required.
• General Surgery Residency: A five-year residency program in general surgery, where residents gain hands-on experience and supervised training in various surgical procedures.

Licensing and Board Certification

To practice as a general surgeon in the United States, physicians must:

• Obtain a Medical License: Each state has its own licensing requirements, which generally include passing medical licensing exams and completing background checks.
• Consider Board Certification: While not mandatory in all states, board certification by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) demonstrates a high level of competence and commitment to professional standards.

Types of Surgeries Performed by General Surgeons

General surgeons perform a wide variety of surgeries, including:

• Abdominal Surgery: Appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hernia repair, gastrectomy, and colon resection.
• Breast Surgery: Lumpectomy, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction.
• Vascular Surgery: Aneurysm repair, bypass surgery, and varicose vein removal.
• Trauma Surgery: Management of injuries from accidents, violence, or other causes.
• Soft Tissue Surgery: Incision and drainage of abscesses, removal of cysts, and skin grafting.

Where General Surgeons Work

General surgeons can be found in various settings, including:

• Hospitals: Public and private hospitals of all sizes.
• Clinics: Outpatient clinics and surgical centers.
• Private Practices: Independent medical practices.
• Academic Institutions: Medical schools and research centers.

Collaboration with Other Medical Professionals

General surgeons often collaborate with other doctors, such as:

• Primary Care Physicians: Refer patients for surgical consultation and treatment.
• Anesthesiologists: Provide anesthesia during surgical procedures.
• Pathologists: Analyze tissue samples obtained during surgery.
• Nurses: Assist with patient care before, during, and after surgery.
• Allied Health Professionals: Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore General Surgeon Lawyer

Medical malpractice claims against general surgeons can arise from a variety of errors, including:

• Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as leaving foreign objects in the body or damaging nearby organs.
• Diagnostic Errors: Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of a condition.
• Treatment Errors: Incorrect treatment or medication.
• Informed Consent: Failure to obtain informed consent from the patient before surgery.
• Postoperative Complications: Complications that arise after surgery, such as infections or bleeding.

Subspecialties of General Surgery

General surgery has several subspecialties, each focusing on a particular area of the body or type of surgery:

• Surgical Oncology: Specializes in the surgical treatment of cancer.
• Trauma Surgery: Focuses on the management of injuries from accidents and violence.
• Vascular Surgery: Deals with diseases of the blood vessels.
• Pediatric Surgery: Treats surgical conditions in children.
• Surgical Critical Care: Provides critical care for patients undergoing surgery or recovering from surgery.

Medical Malpractice Claims Against Surgical Subspecialists with the Baltimore General Surgeon Lawyer

Medical malpractice claims against surgical subspecialists are similar to those against general surgeons. However, the specific nature of the claim may vary depending on the subspecialty. For example, a surgical oncologist may face claims related to the improper removal of a tumor or the failure to detect a recurrence of cancer.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore General Surgeon Lawyer

General surgeons and their subspecialists play a prominent role in modern medicine. When medical malpractice claims arise, understanding the specific risks and factors involved can help patients and healthcare providers work together to prevent and address these issues.

If you have been injured by a general surgeon, then visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.