Abstract
Pediatric surgery is a diverse specialty with unique challenges and high social importance.
There is a wealth of opportunities for professional development and academic achievements
in caring for children with complex and variable surgical conditions. Throughout time,
surgical career pathways have exacted considerable demands for a multitude of skills
and significant personal commitment, in which pediatric surgery is no exception. However,
the rigors of the working environment are balanced by real opportunities for meaningful
professional contributions and high levels of career satisfaction. This manuscript
attempts to uncover the meaning of a career in pediatric surgery from several perspectives,
with consideration of the roles of history, philosophy, research, and education in
shaping the profession into the context of modern practice.
Keywords
philosophy of pediatric surgery - history of pediatric surgery - careers in pediatric
surgery - vocation of pediatric surgery - research in pediatric surgery
