Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What does a Neonatal Surgeon do?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A neonatal surgeon performs operations on newborn babies. Such surgeries require the level of knowledge and skill a doctor acquires through years of extra training. These doctors work to correct serious medical conditions and disorders that affect newborns. A neonatal specialist often performs surgical operations on infants who have birth defects that affect the chest and abdominal region. This type of doctor may work to repair defects of the urogenital tract as well.

When a doctor specializes in neonatal surgery, he is a type of pediatric surgeon. This means he specializes in treating children. A neonatal surgeon, however, has received advanced training beyond that required to become a pediatric surgeon. This advanced training has prepared him to provide care for infants, for whom surgery is often very risky. Once trained, a neonatal surgeon works with a team of health care professionals that is skilled in providing the best possible care to these vulnerable, young patients.

A neonatal surgeon is a special type of pediatric surgeon.
A neonatal surgeon is a special type of pediatric surgeon.

Besides the actual surgery a neonatal surgeon performs, he is typically involved in other aspects of a patient’s care. For example, he usually evaluates and diagnoses newborn patients and then goes on to determine the treatment that is required. In some cases, a neonatal surgeon may provide an evaluation of a baby before he is even born. He may, for instance, use an ultrasound machine to look for physical abnormalities in the developing baby. In such a case, the information the neonatal surgeon gains may help him discuss any abnormalities with the unborn baby’s parents and prepare them for the child's medical needs after birth.

A neonatal surgeon has received advanced training beyond that required to become a pediatric surgeon.
A neonatal surgeon has received advanced training beyond that required to become a pediatric surgeon.

A neonatal surgeon is typically responsible for overseeing the patient's preparation for surgery as well. Once he has performed the operation, however, his job is usually not over. At this point, he is typically responsible for overseeing the patient’s care during the critical post-surgical period.

In order to become a neonatal surgeon, a person typically completes college and spends four years in medical school. He is then required to pass a licensing exam to gain the right to practice medicine in his jurisdiction. An aspiring neonatal specialist usually goes on to complete on-the-job training in general surgery, which is referred to as a residency. Once that is complete, he pursues specialized training in pediatric surgery, with neonatal surgery as his focus. The residency often takes five to eight years too complete, and the specialty surgical training may last for an additional two years.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a PracticalAdultInsights writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a PracticalAdultInsights writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A neonatal surgeon is a special type of pediatric surgeon.
      By: Antonio Gravante
      A neonatal surgeon is a special type of pediatric surgeon.
    • A neonatal surgeon has received advanced training beyond that required to become a pediatric surgeon.
      By: fivepointsix
      A neonatal surgeon has received advanced training beyond that required to become a pediatric surgeon.
    • A neonatal surgeon performs operations on newborn babies.
      By: Sabryna Washington
      A neonatal surgeon performs operations on newborn babies.
    • In the United States, a neonatal surgeon completes more than 10 years of training in order to become board certified.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      In the United States, a neonatal surgeon completes more than 10 years of training in order to become board certified.
    • A neonatal surgeon is responsible for overseeing the patient's care during the post-surgical period.
      By: Francois du Plessis
      A neonatal surgeon is responsible for overseeing the patient's care during the post-surgical period.
    • An aspiring neonatal surgeon must attend medical school.
      By: michaeljung
      An aspiring neonatal surgeon must attend medical school.
    • A neonatal surgeon may use an ultrasound machine to check for physical abnormalities in a developing baby.
      By: Alex Tihonov
      A neonatal surgeon may use an ultrasound machine to check for physical abnormalities in a developing baby.