The transition from medical school to being a junior doctor, and then a practicing surgeon is challenging. It requires knowledge, clinical skills and technical dexterity but also the ability to effciently function in the surgical workplace and be a reliable team member. Being a surgeon is not just a profession but a way of life. Medical school and postgraduate training often provide clinical and technical knowledge that are essential in formulating a clinical diagnosis, initiating medical treatment, and planning or carrying out invasive surgical procedures. However, surgery may be viewed not just as another medical specialty, but as an apprenticeship, that requires the acquisition, application, and constant refnement of lifelong skills. Surgery doesn’t get taught simply through books, but has to be seen and experienced, over and over again. This book presents some well-known career skills to help improve your day to day surgical performance, development and progression. The generic guidance presented in this book may be of use to aspiring surgeons, no matter their surgical subspecialty choice and no matter where they practice. Professionalism is central in our day to day performance, guiding our interactions with patients, other doctors, or non-medical staff. The chapter on professionalism explores some of the behaviours that may help improve one’s conduct.