Consultant Surgeon
A consultant is a senior doctor who has overall responsibility for the care of patients in hospital. They have completed a minimum of six years training in their specialty to gain a certificate of completion of training (CCT) and listing on the General Medical Council’s specialist register. Read our case study based on the perspective of a Consultant surgeon within the surgical care team.
Area of practice
In-patient (theatre and ward).
Overview of tasks and activities
- Patient diagnoses
- Writing care plans
- Managing care, assisted by a team of doctors and other professionals
- Operating on patients
- The consultant surgeon has overall responsibility for the standards of care given to all patients by doctors in their team
Autonomy and accountability
- Consultants are independent practitioners.
- Consultants are accountable to the General Medical Council (GMC).
Training
- Completion of medical school
- Followed by two years of Foundation Training
- Followed by two years of Core Surgical Training
- Followed by six years of Specialty Training
Once Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) has been obtained, consultants are qualified.