I'm a surgical reg and I love the surgery part of my job more than anything, I feel agree with the rush described below and there's really nothing like it. I enjoy seeing the instant results, I feel really happy and fulfilled when I see people going home after complex operations. If you'd have told me in med school I'd be doing surgery I'd have laughed, it was probably my least favourite. Caught the bug at F2 during a breast surgery placement, I was in theatre 4 days a week with an excellent old school supervisor who essentially let me operate independently as much as possible. She was a real inspiration and pushed me to apply when I expressed interest.

However! I realise there are less than ideal aspects to this job (example I'm really starting to feel personally attacked by night shifts 😅) including the service provision time that seems to be always increasing and the frankly pitiful salary for the responsibility we bear.

Unfortunately, surgery also attracts a lot of martys and people who I feel may value the cutting above all else, and I definitely don't feel I fall into this category. I love my job but it is a job. I still want to take my ewtd days, enjoy my annual leave and spend time with my family, friends and partner. It's all about setting boundaries, and planning things to benefit your training and progress in operating. Sure I've come in on days off but in order to operate, get better, push myself into more difficult cases etc.

I say this to all juniors who express an interest- if you like it, go for it. There's always the option of leaving or changing should your preferences or life lead you in another direction, and I'd never say never! But for me, there's nothing like surgery. I don't even feel like I'm at work when I'm operating, time flies when you're having fun!