Chief of Surgery
Who is a Chief of Surgery?
A Chief of Surgery is a senior-level surgeon who oversees all surgical operations in a hospital or medical institution. This role includes supervising surgical departments, mentoring surgeons, ensuring the highest standards of patient care, approving major surgical procedures, and implementing policies for efficiency and safety in surgical practice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Chief of Surgery in India
1. School Foundation (Class 8–12)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English
Exams: NTSE, Science Olympiads, NEET Foundation
Lakshay India Support: Early aptitude tests, NEET foundation coaching, and exposure to medical careers
2. MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (5.5 Years)
Admission Through: NEET-UG
Top Medical Colleges:
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AIIMS Delhi
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CMC Vellore
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Maulana Azad Medical College
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JIPMER Puducherry
Lakshay India Support: NEET coaching, career counselling, and admission assistance
3. MS (Master of Surgery) in a Surgical Specialty (3 Years)
Specializations: General Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, etc.
Admission Via: NEET-PG or INI-CET
Lakshay India Support: PG preparation strategy, hospital and specialization selection, exam guidance
4. DM/MCh (Optional for Superspecialization – 3 Years)
Fields: Surgical Oncology, Plastic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pediatric Surgery
Lakshay India Support: Super-specialty preparation and research project guidance
5. Years of Surgical Experience (10–15 Years)
Career Progression: Junior Surgeon → Consultant Surgeon → Head of Unit → Chief of Surgery
Institutes to Work In: Apollo, AIIMS, Fortis, Manipal Hospitals, government and teaching hospitals
6. Leadership and Administrative Roles
Gain experience in surgical protocols, hospital committees, research leadership, and team management
Additional Training: Hospital administration or medical leadership courses
How to Get a Job as Chief of Surgery in Global Hospitals
1. Obtain Medical License for Target Country
USA: USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 + Surgical Residency Match
UK: PLAB or MRCS + GMC registration
Canada: MCCQE + Royal College Fellowship
Australia: AMC Exams + AHPRA registration
2. Get Global Fellowship / Residency
Apply for international fellowships in renowned hospitals like:
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Mayo Clinic (USA)
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Cleveland Clinic (USA)
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Great Ormond Street (UK)
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Mount Sinai (Canada)
Perform clinical research and publish surgical studies
3. Move into Hospital Leadership Roles
Start as Surgical Consultant or Head of Department
Progress into Executive Surgeon, Medical Director, or Chief of Surgery
Top Global Institutions Hiring Chiefs of Surgery
Mayo Clinic (USA)
Cleveland Clinic (USA)
Massachusetts General Hospital (USA)
Mount Sinai Health System (Canada)
Great Ormond Street Hospital (UK)
Singapore General Hospital
Johns Hopkins Hospital (USA)
King Faisal Specialist Hospital (Saudi Arabia)
Highest Global Annual Packages (INR Equivalent)
Country | Salary Range (INR/year) |
---|---|
USA | ₹2.5 Cr – ₹4 Cr |
Canada | ₹1.8 Cr – ₹3.2 Cr |
UK | ₹1.5 Cr – ₹2.5 Cr |
Australia | ₹1.6 Cr – ₹2.8 Cr |
Middle East | ₹1.8 Cr – ₹3 Cr (tax-free) |
Key Skills Required
Advanced Surgical Expertise
Hospital Administration
Team Leadership
Emergency Decision-Making
Patient-Centric Communication
Strategic Planning
Medical Ethics and Compliance
Research and Academic Contributions
How Lakshay India Supports Students Becoming Chief of Surgery
Foundation Stage:
Introduces school students to top medical careers
Hosts anatomy workshops, surgery simulation events, and white coat day experiences
NEET Preparation Track:
Full-length mock exams, subject-wise crash courses, and AI-driven performance analysis
Personal mentorship from top doctors and surgeons
Medical College Admission & Mentorship:
In-depth counselling for MBBS and MS admissions
Continuous support throughout medical education with peer groups and alumni interactions
Surgical Research & Global Pathway Programs:
Helps students apply for surgical electives, conferences, and international observerships
Guides for USMLE, PLAB, MRCS and helps with LORs, SOPs, and visa procedures
Leadership Grooming:
Medical leadership workshops
Real-world mentoring by current Heads of Department and Surgical Chiefs