Overall, the surgical field in Australia has a strong projected demand and growth. Several careers are at risk because of automation. But surgeons can rest assured that robots can never replace them in the coming centuries.
Many factors drive the growth of the surgical industry:
- As the population grows older, chronic diseases will increase. Cancer and heart disease often require extensive operations. Because of this, surgeons will stand at the forefront of improving and saving lives.
- People also expect more advanced tests and treatments for worsening illnesses. Surgical technologies can make it easier for patients to consult surgeons.
- Aspiring surgeons capable of entering the field have a stable path ahead of them. Surgical trainees can have residencies right after they finish their schooling.
- Rural areas need more surgeons. Since physicians tend to stay in urban areas, the province can be appealing for surgeons.
- Surgeons have the highest salaries in the workforce. Their earnings may also depend on their specialty, performance, and experience. But, as a whole, surgeons earn six-digit figures every year.
But within the surgical industry, there are different prospects among specialists. In this article, you will learn which surgeons are in demand.
Ophthalmic surgeons
Almost half of Australia’s population have an eye condition. Meanwhile, cataracts and macular degeneration trouble older Australians.
This data shows that ophthalmic surgeons are ever relevant in Australia. With their training and experience, ophthalmic surgeons can perform the following in-demand procedures:
- Cataract surgery. This procedure removes the damaged lens and replaces it with an artificial one.
- Glaucoma surgery. In this operation, the surgeon inserts a tube into the eye to relieve the pressure inside.
- Laser in-situ keratomileusis. The surgeon applies intense light beams to correct the shape of the cornea and treat refractive errors.
Orthopedic surgery
The Australian Bureau of Statistics announced in 2019 that the country’s population is ageing. Because of this, bone-related diseases are rampant.
Three out of ten Australians suffer from chronic skeletal and muscular diseases. The AIHW states that the three most common orthopedic ailments include back pain, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
Orthopedic surgeons are in demand for this reason. Here are the surgeries they usually perform:
- Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. The ACL is one of the most important ligaments in the knee. This type of surgery is common among athletes who tear this ligament.
- Knee replacement surgery. As people get older, the cartilage that cushion the knees deteriorate. This surgery removes the joint and replaces it with metal implants.
- Shoulder replacement surgery. The shoulders also degrade over time. This surgery replaces the broken shoulder with plastic or metal prosthetics.
Cardiothoracic surgeons
Cardiovascular diseases are among the top causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 16% of recorded deaths around the globe comes from coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease.
Cardiothoracic surgeons are valuable in hospitals for this matter. These are some of the procedures that they can perform:
- Coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this operation, the surgeon takes a blood vessel from the patient’s leg or arm. Then, he will graft this into the patient’s coronary artery.
- Heart valve surgery. The surgeon opens the patient’s chest to repair his heart valve.
