Orthopedic surgeons are professionals in the medical industry that focus on carrying out surgery for people suffering from any form of musculoskeletal challenge.
It is a highly perfect career for those passionate about creating an impact in society and touching lives.
However, before you decide if this career is an excellent choice, you must know the duration it takes to become an orthopedic surgeon, which is one of the many things this post discusses.
Read on to find out other information about the orthopedic surgeon profession that will enable you to decide on venturing into this career.
Who is an Orthopaedic Surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons analyze, manage, and treat patients suffering from conditions affecting the ligaments, muscles, bones, and tumors.
These professionals converse with patients to identify the exact medical problem they are going through, resolve if the medical challenge will need surgical intervention, and endorse treatment plan if it does not.
Orthopedic surgeons also analyze diagnostic imaging of all forms, carry out all sorts of bone surgeries, and team up with other professionals to perform their duties.
They conduct post-medication examination of patients after surgical processes to ensure that it yields desired results.
Is Orthopaedic Surgery a Good Career?
Yes, it is. Orthopedic surgery is a promising career. This profession offers you an opportunity to assist people in living a comfortable life which is very satisfying.
Also, orthopedic surgery is a career that will boost your technological skills as you will utilize robotics, implants, and other devices to perform your duties consistently.
The prospects available for personal and professional development in this field are tremendous.
Furthermore, orthopedic surgeons are one of the highest-earning professionals in the medical field.
Numerous jobs are available to orthopedic surgeons, allowing them to work in a professional setting that aligns with their strengths.
What is the Average Salary of Orthopaedic Surgeons?
The average annual income of an orthopedic surgeon is about $300,000 per annum.
However, salary ranges vary according to the place of work, experience, abilities of the individual, and academic qualifications.
What is the Work Environment of an Orthopaedic Surgeon like?
Orthopedic surgeons mostly secure jobs in medical facilities and hospitals; some work independently.
They dedicate many professional years to counseling patients and performing surgical and non-surgical tasks.
This job involves working many hours at a go during the weekdays that may sometimes stretch into the weekend.
Orthopedic surgery is a demanding career that involves constant collaboration with many medical professionals.
Steps for Becoming an Orthopaedic Surgeon
Here are the steps to take to become an orthopedic surgeon:
1. Obtain an undergraduate degree:
To become an orthopedic surgeon, you must first obtain an undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
Throughout your undergraduate degree program, ensure you take classes in the following subjects; biology, physics, mathematics, and general and organic chemistry.
Additionally, enrolling in an internship and taking some science-based electives would be best to boost your knowledge as a pre-medical student and prepare yourself better for medical school.
An undergraduate degree can be completed in four years.
2. Earn a passing score on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT):
You must pass the Medical College Admissions Test to gain admission into medical school. This test assesses your level of preparedness for medical school.
MCAT lasts for seven hours and consists of four sections.
The sections include; biological and biochemical foundations of living systems, chemical and physical foundations of biological systems, critical analysis and reasoning skills, and psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior.
3. Complete medical school:
Immediately you achieve a passing score on MCAT, and apply to a medical school whose requirements you satisfy. It takes four years to complete medical school.
In medical school, you will learn about anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, and genetics.
Engaging in a series of clinical rotations during medical school will boost your knowledge immensely.
4. Complete residency:
Once you are done with medical school, proceed and enroll in a residency. A residency is an excellent opportunity to acquire relevant practical experience that adequately prepares you for this profession.
You will also get to collaborate with practicing doctors, build confidence, boost your skills, and identify the ideal way to connect with patients.
It takes about five years to complete a residency.
5. Complete a fellowship:
Completing a fellowship as an orthopedic surgeon will do you lots of good. A fellowship is an excellent opportunity to engage in a particular specialty.
It takes about one to two years to finish a fellowship.
6. Obtain a license:
Immediately after completing all the relevant training, to practice as an orthopedic surgeon, you must take the National United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Examination (COMLEX).
However, you will only receive a license if you achieve a passing score or above on a given test, so ensure that you give your best efforts.
Ensure you check each state’s licensing requirements before applying for a license.
7. Obtain a board certification:
Immediately you earn a license, proceed and get board certification.
Although board certification is not required to work as an orthopedic surgeon in the United States, getting board certified will prove to your prospective or current employers that you are committed to orthopedic surgery.
To achieve this, you must pass an assessment by a board with the authority to determine if you are well-versed in orthopedic surgery.
The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) and the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (AOBOS) are the two bodies that conduct board exams for orthopedic surgeons in the United States.
The exam has two parts; the written and oral parts.
To maintain the certification upon the recipient, orthopedic surgeons must engage in advanced education and training and renew their certification by taking an advanced exam every seven to ten years.
They board sets this as a measure to guarantee that orthopedic surgeons have a good knowledge of the technological and practical trends in the industry.
What is the Duration it Takes to Become an Orthopedic Surgeon?
The duration to complete all the steps listed above is not less than 13 years. This includes the first stage of securing admission into the college to getting board-certified.
Essential Skills for Orthopaedic Surgeon
1. Compassion:
The inherent quality of compassion in orthopedic surgeons resonates profoundly within healthcare.
The ability to empathize with patients, to understand their fears, hopes, and concerns contributes immeasurably to the overall patient experience.
A compassionate orthopedic surgeon recognizes that their patients are not merely cases or diagnoses but individuals who require medical treatment and emotional support.
This recognition forms the basis of a solid patient-surgeon relationship, which is instrumental in achieving positive outcomes.
2. Commitment:
A relentless commitment to excellence marks the journey of an orthopedic surgeon.
This commitment extends beyond the operating room and encompasses a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and skill enhancement.
The field of orthopedics is dynamic, with advancements and breakthroughs occurring rapidly.
As such, a committed orthopedic surgeon must embrace a culture of continuous learning, staying abreast of the latest research, techniques, and technologies.
This commitment to professional growth ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.
3. Professionalism:
Orthopedic surgeons are held to the highest standards of professionalism within their medical community and society.
Professionalism encompasses ethical behavior, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility towards patients and colleagues.
Upholding the principles of medical ethics ensures that patient care remains the top priority, and those interactions with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals are characterized by respect, honesty, and transparency.
Moreover, professionalism extends to collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team, fostering an environment conducive to optimal patient outcomes.
4. Effective Communication:
In the intricate world of medical practice, effective communication is a linchpin skill that bridges the gap between medical expertise and patient understanding.
Orthopedic surgeons must uniquely translate complex medical terminology into easily understandable language for patients and their families.
This skill empowers patients to make informed decisions about their treatment options and actively participate in their care.
Furthermore, effective communication extends to collaborating with fellow medical professionals, ensuring the entire care team is aligned in their approach and understanding of the patient’s condition.
5. Prudent Decision-making:
The art of decision-making is an integral facet of an orthopedic surgeon’s role.
This skill is twofold: the ability to make well-considered treatment recommendations and the capacity to make swift decisions during surgical procedures.
Every patient presents a unique set of circumstances, and the ability to tailor treatment plans to individual needs requires medical expertise, experience, and a deep understanding of the patient’s overall health.
Moreover, the operating room demands split-second decisions that can significantly impact the outcome of a procedure.
A surgeon’s quick, decisive action aptitude is honed through years of training and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How Long Does it Take to Become an Orthopaedic Surgeon
It is more challenging to become a neurosurgeon than any surgeon worldwide.
Neurosurgeons make more money than any other surgeons. It is understood that the average income of a neurosurgeon is as high as about $800,000 per year in most US states.
Pediatricians are the lowest-paid doctors in the world.
A general practitioner is the easiest doctor to become as it requires less time and minimum education.
Conclusion
Orthopedic surgery is a rewarding career path. This field offers many career opportunities and professional development prospects, and the salary potential is awe-inspiring.
It takes up to 13 years to become an orthopedic surgeon in the United States, which is a long time. However, the benefits of venturing into this career path make that time frame worthwhile.
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