Read patient’s history; examine patients and determine whether surgery is necessary; consults with anaesthetists about the operation and the patient's treatment; gives instructions about preparing patients for operating theatres; performs and manages operations; provides instructions for post-operative care; monitors patients after surgery; keeps medical records and sends final reports to general practitioners; may teach trainees.

• Works indoors in hospital wards, operating theatres, consulting rooms and offices within public or private hospitals, medical centres and specialist clinics
• Works in adequately lit, heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained and hygienic workspaces with special lighting and equipment in operating theatres.

• Sedentary to light physical demand.
• Sits during consultations, reading of case notes and writing of patient notes and reports.
• May stand for long periods of time to conduct surgical procedures and examinations.
• Walks frequently to check and prepare equipment, examine patients and read medical images.
• Occasionally lifting, stretching, reaching, bending, squatting and crouching may be required.
• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements may be required in some surgical procedures and when using a computer or writing.
• Frequent use of surgical and medical equipment and materials including medicines, operating and examination tables, monitoring screens, medical dressings, surgical equipment, instruments, surgical clothing, sterilising materials and other medical equipment.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with medical, surgical, assessment, diagnostic, communication, interpersonal, organisational, problem solving and decision-making capabilities.

• A relevant tertiary qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.
• Registration or licensing is required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.