We are talking here apples and lemons: surgeons aren't that special, nor for that matter are airline pilots. They do both, however, have an expertise that the public may wish to draw down at some point.
The fundamental difference is that the surgeon is 1 on 1: he / she will generally visit with you and discuss / explain the procedure with you. In turn you will have the opportunity to make your assessment of the individual, not from a technical or professional perspective, but from a humanitarian perspective.
When you buy your airline ticket you make a judgement based on anything but the skill or expertise of your pilot / crew. You take it for granted that they will deliver you to your destination in one piece.
At some point, the surgeon will need a pilot or a lawyer: equally the pilot will need a lawyer or a dentist. The wheel has many spokes and trying to compare one with the other has no merit as each has its' own unique social benefits.