What is paediatric surgery?

The specialty itself, the sub-specialities within it, and the other surgical specialties that also operate on children.

Paediatric surgery and its sub-specialities

Paediatric Surgery

The surgical specialty dedicated to the management of surgical conditions in children, from the fetal period through to the teenage years. It is the only one of the ten surgical specialties recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons of England that is defined by the patient's age rather than by a particular condition or body system.

Sub-specialities within paediatric surgery

These are the areas the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons organises itself around. A paediatric surgeon may develop a special interest in one or more of them. Pick one to see what it involves and how to get there.

Other specialties that treat children

Paediatric surgery is not the only route to operating on children. Most surgical specialties have clinicians who work with children, either as their whole practice or as part of it. Each one has its own route in.

Sub-specialities are as listed by the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons. The surgical specialties are those recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, plus ophthalmology.

Want to learn more?

Our student-led teaching sessions cover UKMLA content and more, with an insight into children’s surgery. They’re open to every year group.

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