Dr. Edward Picardi: What it Means to Specialize in Something

There are many different types of surgeons, each with their own specialty and area of expertise. While the general term “surgeon” is thrown around, most only focus on a few procedures and become experts in them.

What are some of the major types of surgeons? How do surgeons like Dr. Edward Picardi pick their focus? Some know exactly what they want to be from an early age, while others discover it during their journey in medical school.

General Surgery

General surgeons are trained to perform a wide range of surgical procedures on many different parts of the body. This may include surgeries on the digestive system, the endocrine system, the skin, soft tissues, and more.

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in surgeries on the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest. This may include procedures such as coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve replacement, and lung transplantation. These surgeons must be very delicate and efficient in their work.

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgeons are trained to perform surgeries on the brain and spinal cord. This may include procedures such as brain tumor removal, spinal fusion, and the placement of cerebrospinal fluid shunts.

The difficulties that go along with working on the brain and spinal cord make it very challenging for neurosurgeons. They are one of the most highly compensated because of the work they do.

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgeries that affect the musculoskeletal system, such as the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. This may include procedures such as knee and hip replacements, spinal fusion, and the repair of fractures.

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists are trained to perform surgeries on the eyes and surrounding structures. This can include procedures such as cataract removal, glaucoma surgery, and the repair of retinal detachments.

Oral Surgeon

Beyond typical dentists are oral and maxillofacial surgeons. They will provide surgery for anything involving the mouth or jaw. Much of it comes down to working on teeth, as they can do wisdom teeth extraction or dental implants. Specializing in the mouth area allows surgeons to offer very specific services within the industry.

Plastic Surgeon

Most people instantly think of plastic surgeons as those who only help people with superficial issues. However, they can step in and provide more than cosmetic treatment. Plastic surgery could be a requirement after an accident or if someone is born with a deformity.

Pediatric Surgeon

Pediatric surgeons have a lot in common with regular general surgeons. One big difference is they care for children only. Their patients range from infants to teens or young adults. 

Not only do they need to be very good as surgeons, but there is a certain level of communication that gets across to younger patients. Caring for them during a challenging time can help the surgery immensely.

Becoming a Surgeon

To become a surgeon, an individual must complete a significant amount of education and training. This typically begins with earning a bachelor’s degree from a college or university. After completing undergraduate studies, the next step is to attend medical school, which typically takes four years to complete.

After graduating from medical school, a surgeon-in-training must complete a residency program in their chosen specialty. Residency programs provide hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced surgeons and can last anywhere from three to eight years, depending on the specialty.

Once a residency program is complete, a surgeon must pass a series of exams to become licensed.

How Dr. Edward Picardi Picked his Specialization

Out of all the different major specializations for surgeons, Dr. Edward Picardi decided to move in the general surgery direction. It made sense for him, as he wanted to provide as much help as possible to as many people as possible. It’s also a great specialization to have when running a solo practice.

Being a general surgeon allows Dr. Edward Picardi to offer many different types of solutions for his patients in Steubenville, Ohio.

General surgery specialization also helps out when doing missionary work around the world. Having someone who can perform different surgeries and provide information on a variety of topics always helps out in these settings. 

Continuous Learning as a Surgeon

There’s no such thing as knowing everything there is to know about surgery, regardless of specialization. There are always new techniques and technological breakthroughs.

Dr. Edward Picardi has practiced medicine for close to 40 years. He’s seen a lot of changes in his field, and more are coming on the way.

Dr. Edward Picardi has received a lot of praise from his patients, not only for the care he provides his patients but also for his attention to detail.

No matter what type of surgeon a person becomes, it all comes down to making the most of that specialization. No one should be feeling overwhelmed with the type of procedures they offer. Specialists exist for a reason.

Surgeons like Dr. Edward Picardi have a ton of success, even if they only focus on a few different procedures at once. However, as a general surgeon, Dr. Picardi can help a variety of people and can adapt to what is needed of him.