New PA-C looking for alternative first jobs that lead to surgery--please advise

[lbkiss]

I have been actively looking for general surgery/CT surgery jobs for 2 months, but I am limited by two realities: I am a new grad, and I can't move more than 30 miles outside my current location.

 

My question is, what type of position will best prepare me to switch over to a surgical job after a year or two of experience?

 

So far I'm considering:

- hospitalist

- urgent care/walk in

- ER

 

Since I'm new, I don't have much perspective on this...

 

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[andersenpa]

If you're looking for surgery you need to be in an inpatient environment. Hospitalist is the best bet for this. It may also offer you procedures and interactions with surgical consults.

A firm knowledge base of inpatient management of acutely ill patients is a good start for any job. In surgery you will be often managing medical comorbidities, and this experience will pay off.

 

Ultimately though you need a job that gets you in the OR and advancing your operative skills.

[BroncoPAS]

Moonlighting for a Medical Examiner or an Organ Harvest Team would be beneficial as well.

[lbkiss]

Moonlighting for a Medical Examiner or an Organ Harvest Team would be beneficial as well.

 

Thanks, I didn't think of that.

 

Thank you both for your comments.

[newpagirl17]

I also have these  very questions! New grad here with a difficult time finding a surgery position but I am certain that is what I want to do. i've been offered a job in internal medicine in primary care setting. Do you believe this will help me transition into surgery in about 2 years time?