Australia is not only a prosperous and beautiful country; it is also one of the most reputable nations in terms of the healthcare and medical sector. As of 2020, the year when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, Australia was ranked ninth in the Worldwide Healthcare Rankings. Similarly, in a survey launched by U.S. News, Australia has the eighth-best health care system in the world. These facts only show that the Land Down Under has a premier league of doctors and medical professionals.
Surgery is a vital part of the medical sector, especially in treating chronic and critical diseases. In this article, you will learn about the six Australian surgery practices that dominate based on revenue. Also, you will learn the factors why surgeons in these fields earn staggering amounts of Australian dollars. These statistics come from the figures from the Australian Taxation Office.
Top 1: Neurosurgery (AU $557,674)
Considering that the average Australian worker earns AU $65,000 every year, being a neurosurgeon seems like a luxurious way to build up wealth. But neurosurgery is one of the most grueling careers to pursue. Those who want to enter this field must first finish pre-medical education and medical school for eight years in total. Then, they spend a year as interns in general surgery, followed by up to seven years in a residency program on neurosurgery. Once they are certified to be neurosurgeons, they must maintain continuing education and participate in research.
Neurosurgery is an intricate career. Since neurosurgeons operate on the brain and spinal cord, they handle extra delicate tissues. For surgical patients with stroke, epilepsy, nervous system infections, and sclerosis, even the slightest mistake could be fatal. Hence, neurosurgery is an expensive and challenging medical field to enter. But being certified in such a prestigious surgery practice is rewarding.
Top 2: Ophthalmic surgery (AU $552,947)
When Charles Darwin wrote his revolutionary oeuvre, “On the Origin of Species,” he admitted that it was absurd to say that the eye came about through natural selection. The eyes are one of the most intricate organs in the human anatomy. Hence, it is not surprising if the demand and revenue of ophthalmic surgeons are high. The same goes for Australia.
Ophthalmic surgery involves operating on the eyes to treat diseases and injuries. Since it is at the forefront of scientific and medical innovations, ophthalmic surgery has different subspecialties that certified surgeons in the field can choose. These include:
- Cornea and external disease, centered on corneal transplant and refractive surgeries and treating corneal infections and deformities, inflammation;
- Cataract and refractive surgery;
- Glaucoma, which now involves the application of lasers and drainage devices;
- Uveitis and ocular immunology focused on the inflammation of the middle section of the eye caused by immunity conditions;
- Vitreoretinal diseases, which includes the latest treatments such as laser therapy and retinal detachment surgery; and,
- Ophthalmic plastic surgery, which is a mixture of plastic and ophthalmic surgeries. It is essential for cosmetic operations and upper facial reconstructive procedures.
Top 3: Thoracic surgery (AU $453,253)
The third biggest surgical practice in Australia in terms of revenue is thoracic surgery. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, thoracic surgeons operate on the heart, the lungs, and the esophagus, which are organs in the chest area. Because of this, thoracic surgery is also called chest surgery.
Surgeons specialized here can save patients with tumors and cancer in the chest area. They can also perform bypass surgeries and transplant the said organs. Thoracic surgeons were also trained to operate on both minor and severe pulmonary infections and conditions. With special equipment, they can perform video-assisted thoracic surgery and robotic thoracic surgery.
Studying to become a doctor, especially a thoracic surgery, requires spending so much time and money. But according to Dr. Peyman Benharash from the University of California Los Angeles Medical School, it is all worth it because thoracic surgeons can improve the lives of their suffering patients. Also, the revenue for this surgical practice is astounding.
Top 4: Plastic and reconstructive surgery (AU $448,530)
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is crucial now more than ever. No one can tell when accidents and injuries may happen and how terrible their damage can be. Surgeons in this specialization can operate on skin damage, facial injuries, and congenital disorders. They are trained to treat burns, scars, trauma, tumors, infections, and cancer on the skin. These surgeons can also remove tattoos and birthmarks, and they can also operate on the facial skeleton, cleft palate, and deformed facial structures.
Since they operate on patients’ skin and faces, plastic and reconstructive surgeons must prove their excellence in these fields. After graduating from medical school, they must study in a graduate school to study general surgery and plastic surgery. Aspiring plastic and reconstructive surgeons must practice this career for two years and pass a rigorous examination. Once they are certified, surgeons in this field must renew it every ten years. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons earn a lot, but they have a heavy responsibility in their hands.
Top 5: Obstetrics and gynecology surgery (AU $ 446,507)
Obstetrics and gynecology surgery deals with operating on the female reproductive system. Surgeons in this field can deliver babies and treat excessive bleeding, infertility, breast anomalies, biopsy, and other diseases in the vagina, uterus, and ovaries. Their specialty also includes performing circumcision, laser surgery on the reproductive system, ligation, and cystectomy.
Since women make up over 51% of the Australian population, it is no wonder that the services provided by obstetrics and gynecology surgeons are valuable.
Top 6: Otorhinolaryngology surgery (AU $445,939)
The sixth of the Australian surgery practices in this list is otorhinolaryngology. This lengthy word came from four Greek words that mean “the science of the ear, nose, and windpipe.” Hence, otorhinolaryngology surgery is also known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery.
Since every component of these structures is delicate, ENT surgeons train to be precise and proficient in operating. They treat ear infections, vertigo, nasal cavity disorders, throat diseases, speech defects, tumors, trauma, and sensory issues.
