They work quickly under pressure and must keep up with the evolving medical world. Aspiring general surgeons must first earn a bachelor's degree of their choice and then a medical degree (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), which is a doctor who emphasizes the whole body and tries not to use as much medicine (Doctors and Surgeons NP). Most surgeons earn a medical degree during medical school. After medical school, general surgeons must complete a three- to seven-year residency, during which medical graduates work under the guidance of a more experienced surgeon. Once residency is completed, the general surgeon becomes licensed, which is required by all states. Most surgeons then take a test to become certified by the American Board of Surgery (Surgeon: Career Definition, Employment Outlook and Education Requirements NP). Finally, after all this education and training, surgeons will be able to start working