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Careers

Burn Surgeon

Burn surgeons lead the specialized medical treatment of burn injuries, combining trauma care, surgery, and long-term patient management to improve recovery and quality of life.


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Find Burn Surgeon Jobs & Fellowships

Explore current opportunities to join burn centers and trauma teams dedicated to expert patient care and innovation in burn treatment. Also, discover fellowship programs designed to advance your specialized training and clinical expertise in burn surgery and care.


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What Does a Burn Surgeon Do?

Burn care surgeons specialize in managing complex burn injuries, performing surgical interventions, coordinating interdisciplinary care, and supporting survivors through recovery and rehabilitation. Their role demands expert clinical judgment, leadership, and opportunities to advancing treatment through research and education.

Typical Work Environments

  • Specialized burn centers (often ABA-verified)

  • Trauma and critical care units 

  • Academic medical centers 

  • Research institutions 

Key Responsibilities

  • Evaluate and treat acute and chronic burn injuries 

  • Perform surgical procedures, including excision and grafting 

  • Collaborate with nursing, therapy, and mental health teams 

  • Lead or participate in burn care research 

  • Mentor and educate burn care team members 

Education and Training Path

Burn surgeons complete rigorous training and maintain certifications that reflect their expertise in surgical, trauma, and critical care. The following path is a general estimate and may vary based on specialty, training programs, and career focus:

Medical degree (MD or DO)

~4 years

Surgical residency

~5-7 years

Typically in general surgery or plastic surgery 

Fellowship in burn surgery or burn/critical care

~1–2 years 

May include trauma or surgical critical care, depending on the program 

Board certification

Achieved following residency or fellowship in General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and/or Surgical Critical Care 

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)

Completed during residency and maintained throughout practice

Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Typically earned a few years into independent practice following board certification

Fellow of the American Burn Association (FABA)

Awarded in recognition of sustained contributions and leadership in burn care

Ongoing Continuing Medical Education (CME)

Required throughout a physician’s career to maintain licensure and certification, often through ABA and related programs

Estimated age at full professional standing with board certification and fellowship training

Typically early to mid-30s, with national recognition designations (like FACS or FABA) often following in mid-career

Note: This timeline is approximate and intended to reflect a typical path. Individual experiences and timelines may vary. 

What Makes a Successful Burn Surgeon? 

Compassion, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning are essential. Burn care physicians combine advanced surgical and clinical expertise with strong communication skills and collaborative teamwork. Their role is central to improving burn survivors' survival, function, and long-term quality of life.

Being a burn surgeon means facing daily complex medical and emotional challenges. ABA has been an invaluable partner throughout my career, providing access to the latest research, clinical guidelines, and a community of experts who truly understand the demands of this specialty. Their mentoring and educational programs helped me grow my skills and confidence, enabling me to deliver the best possible care to my patients and contribute to advancing burn treatment worldwide.

Arpana Jain, MD, FABA
Burn Surgeon and ABA Member

Elevate Your Burn Surgeon Career

The ABA supports surgeons with access to education, professional networks, clinical guidelines, and certification resources. Join a community dedicated to advancing burn care and improving patient outcomes. 


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