perform a variety of operations on almost all parts of the body. Surgery may be done to diagnose illness, remove or repair tissue, repair injuries, or correct malfunctioning parts. When necessary, they will refer patients to a subspecialist.

perform operations to treat disease, injury or deformity. General surgeons perform a wide range of operations, though some may specialize in children (pediatric surgeons), in cancer surgery (oncology surgeons) or in other areas.