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Resume example

Surgeon resume example

A chirurgien in France splits the week between the operating theatre, consultations and the ward.

Mornings often start with a round to check post-operative patients, followed by a scheduled operating list or an afternoon of consultations where indications are discussed, consent is obtained and the patient is told about risks and recovery. Complex cases go through a multidisciplinary meeting (RCP), which is mandatory in oncology. Surgeons also take part in the on-call rota for emergencies, write operative reports, and in teaching hospitals supervise interns and junior doctors. The setting shapes the job: a praticien hospitalier works for a public hospital with a salaried status, while many surgeons practise as independents in private clinics, where they bill fees and manage their own patient flow.

Resume example

[First name Last name]

Orthopaedic Surgeon | Knee and Hip Arthroplasty, Sports Trauma

[City] · [phone] · [email]

Profile

Praticien hospitalier in [specialty] for [x] years. I run a weekly operating list focused on [procedures], lead the department's RCP for [pathology] and supervise interns. Experienced with enhanced recovery pathways (RAAC) and ambulatory surgery.

Experience

Praticien hospitalier, orthopaedic surgery department, [Hospital], [City]

[month year] to present

  • Performed scheduled hip and knee arthroplasties and trauma surgery as part of the department's operating lists
  • Set up an enhanced recovery pathway with the anaesthesia team for knee replacement patients
  • Developed ambulatory pathways for [procedure], reducing overnight stays for eligible patients
  • Took part in the department's on-call rota and in weekly morbidity and mortality reviews
  • Supervised interns in theatre and in consultations, and co-authored [x] publications

Resume headlines

  • Orthopaedic Surgeon | Knee and Hip Arthroplasty, Sports Trauma
  • General and Digestive Surgeon | Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery, Emergency On-call
  • Chef de Clinique, Visceral Surgery | University Hospital, Teaching and Research

Summaries for your profile

Entry level

Surgeon at the end of the DES in [specialty], currently docteur junior at [Hospital]. I perform the department's standard procedures autonomously and take part in the on-call rota. I am looking for an assistant or chef de clinique post to consolidate my practice in [sub-specialty].

Experienced

Praticien hospitalier in [specialty] for [x] years. I run a weekly operating list focused on [procedures], lead the department's RCP for [pathology] and supervise interns. Experienced with enhanced recovery pathways (RAAC) and ambulatory surgery.

Career change

Surgeon trained in [country] with [x] years of independent practice in [specialty]. I passed the EVC and completed my consolidation period in a French hospital, and I am now registered with the Ordre des médecins and looking for a hospital or clinic position.

Tips

  • Lead with your specialty and sub-specialty: French recruiters search by DES and by type of procedure.
  • List the procedures you perform autonomously, separately from those you assist on.
  • Mention your current status precisely: docteur junior, CCA, assistant spécialiste, PH, or independent.
  • Include your RPPS number once registered with the Ordre, since clinics will ask for it.
  • Keep publications and congress talks in a separate section at the end.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Giving a long list of procedures without saying which ones you do alone.
  • Using foreign titles (consultant, attending, registrar) without the French equivalent.
  • Omitting on-call experience, which is a central question for any department.
  • Hiding the status of your diploma recognition if you trained outside the EU.

Working as a surgeon in France

Surgery is a regulated medical profession in France. You need a medical degree, a DES (diplôme d'études spécialisées) in a surgical specialty and registration with the Ordre des médecins. Diplomas from EU countries covered by the directive are recognised automatically, while non-EU doctors go through the EVC exam and a consolidation period before full authorisation. Titles depend on the setting: interne, docteur junior, chef de clinique assistant, praticien hospitalier, or chirurgien libéral in a clinic. Search for « chirurgien » with your specialty, such as « chirurgien orthopédiste » or « chirurgien viscéral », and for « praticien hospitalier chirurgie ».

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Frequently asked questions

Can I practise surgery in France with a diploma from another EU country?

EU specialist diplomas covered by the professional qualifications directive are recognised automatically. You still need to register with the Conseil départemental de l'Ordre des médecins, which checks your diploma and your ability to practise in French, before you can operate.

What if my diploma comes from outside the EU?

Doctors with non-EU diplomas (PADHUE) usually go through the épreuves de vérification des connaissances (EVC), a competitive exam by specialty, followed by a supervised consolidation period in a French hospital. Full authorisation to practise comes after this process.

Should I put my surgical logbook on my CV?

Not in detail. Summarise the main procedures and your level of autonomy on the CV, and keep the full logbook ready for the interview. Hospital and clinic recruiters often ask for it once the discussion is serious.

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