Are you thinking of becoming a doctor? Perhaps the thought of performing surgery fascinates you, and you have a particular interest in muscles, bones, and joints.
If so, becoming an orthopedic surgeon may be the ideal career path for you.
Keep reading. In this article, we'll talk about what orthopedic surgeons do and the steps you will need to take to become one.
What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in treating injuries and illnesses involving bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
They may perform surgery to treat such conditions, or they may provide more conservative treatment options such as splinting, casting, or prescription medications.
Orthopedic surgeons commonly specialize in one particular area of orthopedic care. For example, one surgeon may specialize in foot and ankle surgery, while another specializes in hand surgery.
Other subspecialties may include:
- Musculoskeletal Oncology
- Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
- Orthopedic Sports Medicine
- Adult Reconstructive Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine
Orthopedic surgeons commonly work in hospitals and specialty clinics. They may work with a variety of patients or a specific group, such as children or athletes, depending on their subspecialty.
Orthopedic surgeons often work long or non-standard hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also have to be on-call at times.
What Qualities Do You Need to Become an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons must have an excellent understanding of the musculoskeletal system, including diseases and injuries that may affect it.
They need to have excellent interpersonal skills, as they spend much of their time consulting with patients. Clear communication skills, both with patients and other medical staff, are essential.
Orthopedic surgeons should be caring, empathetic, and humble enough to refer patients to other surgeons who may be able to provide better care in their particular situations.
Finally, orthopedic surgeons must be able to think critically, make sound decisions, and have a strong moral and ethical code. They are excellent leaders who are respectable, honorable, and trustworthy.
So, do you have what it takes to become an orthopedic surgeon? It takes a long time to attain this career, but you can begin your journey today by following these steps.
1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
Having a bachelor's degree is a basic prerequisite for becoming a doctor of any kind. Orthopedic surgeons are no exception.
A pre-med degree is an excellent choice, but you can also major in other fields. Good options include:
- Health Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
If you study full-time, you should be able to complete your bachelor's degree in about four years. There are also great online pre-med colleges to choose from.
2. Complete a Medical School Degree
Next, you'll need to be accepted into medical school and obtain a medical degree. There are many great undergraduate medical schools to choose from.
Obtaining a medical degree involves passing the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) to even be eligible for med school.
Once you are in medical school, you'll take advanced courses in anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and related topics. You'll also participate in clinical rotations in a variety of medical specialties.
As an aspiring orthopedic surgeon, you'll want to pursue a path to become a doctor of osteopathy or a medical doctor.
You can expect to spend an additional four years of full-time study in medical school.
3. Work a Residency
After medical school, you will need to complete a medical residency in orthopedic surgery. Medical residencies are highly competitive, so begin applying early, and apply for several at a time.
Working a residency will allow you to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field. You'll start by completing general surgery rotations before moving into the orthopedic specialization.
During these rotations, you will work closely with experienced surgeons who can provide guidance and advanced training.
Residencies in orthopedic surgery typically last for about five years.
4. Participate in a Fellowship
Many orthopedic surgeons choose to enter a fellowship after completing a residency. Again, these programs are highly competitive, so you'll want to apply to several of them.
Fellowships in orthopedic surgery allow aspiring surgeons to choose a subspecialty and receive highly advanced training in that area.
As with a residency, you will work with experienced surgeons as you develop your skills. The main difference is that your training will be highly focused on your chosen subspecialty.
Fellowships generally last one to two years.
5. Get Certified and Licensed
Once you have completed all of your training, you will need to pass anywhere from one to a series of tests to become certified and licensed to practice.
To receive your license as a doctor, you'll need to pass either the United States Medical Licensing Examination or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Examination.
You can choose to become certified in orthopedic surgery by passing a board examination as well. This extra credential isn't a requirement, but it can increase patient trust in your abilities.
Board certification is available through the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, as well as the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
Start Your Path to Becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon
As you can see, there are many steps to becoming an orthopedic surgeon, and the process can take several years. So, what are you waiting for?
If you want to become an orthopedic surgeon, begin your career path today by following the steps outlined in this article. Also, make sure to consider career advancement opportunities for orthopedic surgeons.
