No two days look exactly the same for a general surgeon, but most follow a similar rhythm: early starts, a mix of operating room and clinic time, and long stretches spent with patients before and after their procedures.
The day typically begins before sunrise, with pre-operative rounds and a review of the day’s surgical schedule. Surgeons check in on patients recovering from recent procedures, review imaging and lab results, and prepare for the cases ahead, often before most people have had their coffee.
A general surgeon’s day rarely stays in one place. A typical schedule might include:
The work doesn’t stop when the clinic closes. Many surgeons spend evenings finishing paperwork or staying current on new techniques. For Erik Stancofski, unwinding looks like time spent swimming, biking, skiing, or riding his motorcycle — activities that keep him active outside of practicing general surgery in Lewes, DE.
Erik Stancofski is a general surgeon with 28 years of experience treating patients in Lewes, DE. His practice focuses on hernia repairs, colorectal surgery, gallbladder disease, and minimally invasive procedures. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and remains active in the surgical community.