The number of autistic surgeons is growing at a fast rate. But what exactly does it mean to be an autistic surgeon? And do autistic surgeons have to be poor? It’s a common myth that a surgeon should be able to communicate effectively. In reality, communication deficiencies can help a surgeon improve their communication skills. To become an autistic surgeon, all you have to do is to have autism and have been accepted for medical school. Now let’s dive into the details of just how many autistic surgeons there are today.
Though the causes of autism are not fully understood, autism can be diagnosed correctly in two-thirds of children globally. This percentage is high enough to indicate that some individuals with high functioning autism can succeed in highly competitive professions.
Who Are Autistic Surgeons?
Born with brilliant minds and extraordinary skills, autistic surgeons were viewed as outcasts, forced to cope with extreme social isolation and exclusion. Psychiatry, not medicine, was their means of survival.
Today, it’s becoming clear that autism is not a disorder, but a neurological difference that can be harnessed to enhance human skills, including the ability to work with precision, focus, and endurance. The autistic brain is wired differently.
Autistic surgeons are learning that the tools of their trade — anatomy, physiology, optics, dissection, microscopy, diagnoses, languages, coding, and diagnoses — are all rich sources of fascination and stimulation. They enjoy talking about their work, and they often enjoy explaining it to others.
While their brain differences mean that autistic surgeons have to work harder at their normal jobs, they are extremely valuable to the surgical profession. They bring a unique perspective, a unique insight, and a unique ability to focus on something that others find bewildering.
Autistic surgeons are learning how to use their strengths in a profession that tends to overlook them and understand that such recognition comes with its challenges.
While autistic surgeons appear to be succeeding in the professional world, they face challenges in obtaining medical licenses and in integrating into professional communities. The medical community has a long way to go before autistic surgeons are encouraged and welcomed as valued colleagues
Why Are Autistic Surgeons So Important?
Autistic surgeons (AS) have specific challenges and have the potential to make significant advancements in medical care. This capstone experience seeks to identify as a unique population within the field of surgery and to profile them with characteristics that may be important in surgical training, as well as challenges they face. Without question, autistic people have an extraordinary capacity for understanding, empathy, and compassion.
Autistic surgeons perform surgeries more quickly and accurately than neurotypical surgeons. They can focus their attention on the details of a procedure. They know all the tiny hands, fingers, and toes they may need to manipulate. They pay attention to every twitch and wince a patient makes. They understand the surgeon’s body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. They immerse themselves in the patient’s world, paying close attention to every sensation the patient feels.
Autistic surgeons also understand the difference between what a patient is feeling and what their patient says. They can ask follow-up questions, and pick up on non-verbal cues.
Autistic surgeons also possess an insatiable passion for their work. They immerse themselves in the procedures and techniques necessary for performing operations. They like to double-check their processes and tools. They like to deconstruct and reconstruct procedures until they perfect them.
Because autistic surgeons possess all these attributes, they can perform surgeries quickly. They are obsessed with details. They pay close attention. They like to keep a log of every procedure they perform. They like to dissect procedures. They like to analyze and dissect every procedure they perform. They like to deconstruct procedures. They like to deconstruct procedures. They like to deconstruct procedures. They like to deconstruct procedures. They like to deconstruct procedures. They like to deconstruct procedures.
Surgeries Conducted By Autistic Surgeons
The type of surgeries performed by autistic surgeons is quite diverse. They are not limited to any particular field or a specific department in the hospital. Like any other doctors, they can also perform different cancer surgeries. Autistic surgeons are known to conduct the most complicated surgeries.
The main type of surgery autistic males tend to specialize in is general surgery. Surgery is unpredictable and can cause damage to a patient’s organs. Autistic surgeons have the strong mental capacity to handle this stressful job.
Autistic surgeons are exceptional meticulous people. Autistic surgeons usually choose general surgery as their profession. If a surgeon is autistic, he/she takes a lot of time to understand and master the surgical procedure.
They usually have command over hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Autistic surgeons are good at performing intricate surgeries. They make sure that every tiny piece is sutured correctly. They take extra care with the smallest details.
Autistic surgeons also are very careful with human lives. They are meticulous when it comes to performing medical procedures. They are extremely careful while operating a patient. They are also patient by nature.
Autistic surgeons are good at performing surgeries and repairs. They can recognize minute problems. Doctors who are autistic perform surgeries with precision.
- Corrective surgeries
- Body contouring surgeries
- Cosmetic surgeries
- Reconstructive surgeries
There are many autistic surgeons out there, and they often illustrate the importance of creativity in the medical profession.
The field of medicine, however, has traditionally required a different personality. People who fit this description may benefit from special accommodations. Autistic surgeons should seek out any opportunities they have to showcase their talent and expertise.
There are approximately 2.4 million people with autism in AU. Many of them go on to be successful in a variety of fields. However, autism is a much wider spectrum, and it can be present throughout a person’s development. Autism is a lifelong condition that affects the way a person communicates, perceives the world around them, interacts with others, and develops socially.
Autistic people also often suffer from sensory processing disorders or learning disabilities. Autistic surgeons have unique perspectives and skills, and employers can benefit from working with them. Autistic surgeons bring a unique skill set to neurotypical work, and employers can benefit from that skill set. Autistic surgeons bring a unique perspective to a neurotypical workplace, which can help companies understand, anticipate and service the needs of their autistic employees and customers.
