As a basis of surgical residency training and certification examinations as specialists in surgery, the Philippine Society of General Surgeons, Inc. defines General Surgery as:

·        A basic knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, pathology, oncology, metabolism, wound healing, surgical bacteriology and sepsis shock and resuscitation, immunology and organ transplantation, fluid and electrolytes, nutrition, burns and critical care.

·        A sound understanding of the principles of radiology, ultrasonography, CT scan, MRI, and other diagnostic aids including the use of radioactive isotopes and mammography.

·        An adequate practical experience in proctosigmoidoscopy and indirect laryngoscopy.  The general surgeon must be familiar with or must have participated in a variety of endoscopic examinations such as direct laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy, gastroscopy, choledochoscopy, colonoscopy and laparoscopy.

·        A comprehensive skill in diagnosis, pre-operative, operative and post operative care of patients with diseases of the a) alimentary tract, b) abdomen and its contents, c) the head and neck, d) breast, e) the vascular system, f) the endocrine system and g) skin and soft tissues.

·        Adequate knowledge and skills in all phases of care of the injured patient, including care provided in the emergency room and intensive care unit.  The general surgeon must show competence in the emergency management of trauma, including trauma to the head and neck, chest, abdomen and the extremities.

·        An appropriate clinical experience to include operative and non-operative care of common problems in the special disciplines of thoracic and cardiovascular, gynecologic, neurologic, orthopedic, plastic, pediatric, urologic surgery and anesthesiology acquired by exposure in these disciplines.