Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries, diseases, and conditions related to bones, joints, and muscles. It’s a challenging and rewarding career, requiring years of education and training.
If you are interested in understanding how to become an orthopedic surgeon, this article will take you through the entire process, including the steps, training requirements, and the career opportunities that await in this field.
What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
Orthopedic surgeons are experts who treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system. They perform surgeries on bones, joints, and muscles to help patients recover from injuries, conditions like arthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
The job requires technical skills, precision, and a deep understanding of human anatomy.
The Path to Becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon is no small feat. It typically requires nine to ten years of education and training after completing a four-year bachelor’s degree. The journey includes undergraduate studies, medical school, residency training, and sometimes additional fellowship training.
Step 1: Earn a Four-Year Degree
The first step is to attend a university and complete a four-year bachelor’s degree. Most students choose to major in biology or chemistry, as these fields provide the necessary foundation for medical school.
Students should focus on taking pre-med courses that cover subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics.
For instance, Gabe DeOliveira, a third-year medical student, became fascinated with human biology after taking high school classes. This passion led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology before applying to medical school.
Step 2: Apply to Medical School
After completing a bachelor’s degree, aspiring orthopedic surgeons need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and apply to medical school. This step involves years of classroom education and clinical rotations.
In medical school, students typically spend two years in the classroom and two years in clinical rotations, gaining hands-on experience in various medical specialties.
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon is competitive, so many students spend time doing research or working in other medical fields during their gap year to strengthen their application.
Step 3: Complete Residency Training
After medical school, students need to complete residency training to become an orthopedic surgeon. Residency usually lasts five years and includes a surgical internship followed by specific orthopedic training.
This stage requires long hours, hard work, and dedication.
During residency, students not only gain valuable surgical experience but also refine their ability to make decisions under pressure.
For example, Maveric Abella, a recent graduate, began her residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and is excited about learning new techniques and improving patient care.
Step 4: Consider Fellowship Training
Once residency training is completed, orthopedic surgeons can further specialize by pursuing fellowship training in specific areas, such as sports medicine, spine surgery, or pediatric orthopedics.
Although optional, a fellowship can help surgeons gain more expertise and stand out in the job market.
Step 5: Start Your Career as an Orthopedic Surgeon
After completing training, orthopedic surgeons can begin their careers. The field offers strong job prospects in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, and academic institutions.
The work is demanding and can be stressful, but the job rewards come with helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Why Orthopedics is a Rewarding Career
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon is a long and challenging journey, but it can also be highly rewarding. Surgeons not only get to use their technical skills to solve complex medical issues but also have the opportunity to improve the lives of their patients.
Whether you choose to work in a busy hospital or a private practice, orthopedic surgeons are always in demand, and the field offers excellent job opportunities and a promising career outlook.
