surgical assisting has never been easier

Surgical assisting is a poorly advertised yet worthwhile career opportunity in medicine. From a casual side-hustle to a full-time work load, assisting opportunities offer the ultimate flexibility to your healthcare career.

The role has many benefits including:

  • Learning opportunities to experience as well as hone surgical techniques across a variety of surgical specialties

  • Incomparable networking opportunities especially for those considering a career in surgery

  • Short periods of assisting suitable for breaks such as annual leave or rostered time-off

  • Income opportunities that rival public system rates

Dr Joshua Rajaratnam - Orthopaedic Registrar

“Great service with quick replies to emails and messages and direct contact when required for more urgent assisting opportunities. I’ve been able to pick up assisting shifts with seamless communication between the treating surgeon’s practice and myself. Highly recommended!”

FAQs

How much does it cost?

MySurgAssist will handle all billing generated from any lists organised and will take a small percentage. This incorporates billing for all forms of payment not limited to MBS item numbers, hourly rates or direct to patient gap payments. More details can be found on our Billing page.

How do I get Paid?

Each surgeon has their own preferred method of financing an assistant. This may be solely or a combination of MBS item numbers, hourly rates or direct to patient gap payments.

MySurgAssist will liaise clearly between surgeons and assistants be clear on expected pay. We will also advocate for competitive renumeration rates but is ultimately not responsible for the business model of each practice.

What do I need to know how to do?

A variety of skills will be required to be a surgical assistant. There will be varying expectations depending on the specialty and surgeon preference. You should aim to be familiar with suturing, urinary catheterisation, and writing operation reports. Note however that many surgeons will teach you on the job, and it is our job to match skill level to the appropriate procedure.

What credentials Do I need to provide?

Much like applying for a job or a home loan, appropriate documentation must be provided for private hospital accreditation.

Accreditations are typically done via online credentialling systems that assistants will need to complete directly. MySurgAssist will help in any way required, but is ultimately not responsible for credentialling. Typically once this is done once this can be reused for other applications.

What If I can no longer attend an assist?

The more notice given the better, so MySurgAssist can find a suitable replacement. Cancelling last minute without an appropriate reason may affect your ability to find lists in the future.

What if my list gets cancelled?

Unfortunately, lists may be cancelled or an assistant may not be required. Practices have been requested by MySurgAssist to be mindful of the latter especially.