General Surgery Work-Life Balance: What Doctors Actually Say

Based on 149 verified physician responses, General Surgery has a 3.9/5 average career satisfaction rating.83% of General Surgery physicians say they would choose the specialty again if starting their career over. The average General Surgery physician works 66 hours per week.

Based on 9 responses, General Surgery physicians report: “Non-traditional schedules and good pay are out there if you are willing to move to less desirable geographies. ” Another physician shared: “Surgery is a job where you will always be on the hook for complications for your patients no matter if you are “off” or ...”

Based on SalaryDr data, General Surgery physicians work an average of 66 hours per week. This varies by practice setting—academic and hospital-employed positions often require more hours than private practice.

Common challenges cited by General Surgery physicians include administrative burden, call schedule demands, and work-life balance pressures, especially early in career.

83% of General Surgery physicians surveyed say they would choose General Surgeryagain if starting their career over. This data is based on 149 verified, anonymous physician responses collected by SalaryDr.