A Pediatric Surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in performing surgery on infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. They handle a wide range of surgical procedures, from minor outpatient operations to complex surgeries.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 1.0% (below average)
Annual job openings: 0
Direct AI exposure: 6% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 39% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Specialists in Surgery. According to the wage tables, average income is $419K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $144K per year | NA per year | $419K per year | NA per year | $767K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $354K above the national average. | ||||
Pediatric Surgeons work in children's hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and specialized surgical centers. Their environment is fast-paced and requires collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff.
Pediatric Surgeons are experts in treating surgical conditions in children, whose developing bodies require specialized surgical care. They must consider the unique physiological responses and medical needs of children and young adults, ranging from newborns to teenagers. This requires not only surgical expertise but also a deep understanding of pediatric medicine and the ability to communicate effectively with young patients and their families.
The role of a Pediatric Surgeon is demanding and requires precision, patience, and a high level of emotional resilience. Surgeons in this field must be capable of making quick decisions in high-stress situations, particularly in emergency and trauma cases. They also play a crucial role in educating families about medical conditions, surgical procedures, and post-operative care, ensuring that they understand and are comfortable with the treatment plan.
A career in pediatric surgery is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the lives of children and their families. Pediatric Surgeons not only improve the health of their patients but also contribute to the advancement of surgical techniques and treatments in pediatric care.
In Canada, becoming a Pediatric Surgeon typically requires four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, a five-year residency in general surgery, and a two-year Royal College-accredited subspecialty residency in pediatric surgery. This amounts to approximately 15 years of post-secondary education and medical training. Certification through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and provincial licensure are required to practise.
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