General surgery is a broad medical specialty focusing on the abdomen (digestive tract, liver, gallbladder), breast, skin, soft tissues, endocrine system (thyroid, parathyroid), and trauma, acting as a foundation for other surgical fields with core knowledge in healing, anatomy, and patient care. General surgeons diagnose and treat conditions like hernias, gallstones, appendicitis, and cancers, often using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopy, endoscopy) and managing pre-op, surgical, and post-op care for a wide range of illnesses.