A professional who performs surgery to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent diseases, and improve function in patients. Responsibilities include:

• Examines patient to verify necessity of operation, estimate possible risk to patient, and determine best operational procedure.
• Reviews reports of patient's general physical condition, reactions to medications, and medical history.
• Examines instruments, equipment, and surgical setup to ensure that antiseptic and aseptic methods have been followed.
• Performs operations, using variety of surgical instruments and employing established surgical techniques appropriate for specific procedures.
• May specialize in particular type of operation, as on nervous system, and be designated Neurosurgeon (medical ser).
• May specialize in repair, restoration, or improvement of lost, injured, defective, or misshapen body parts and be designated Plastic Surgeon.
• May specialize in correction or prevention of skeletal abnormalities, utilizing surgical, medical, and physical methodologies, and be designated Orthopedic Surgeon.