Orthopedic Surgeons
Overview
Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating problems with bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments through both surgical and non-surgical methods. They analyze patient medical histories and use advanced imaging technology to determine the best treatment approach, whether that's performing surgery to repair injuries or correct deformities. These doctors work closely with nurses, residents, and other medical specialists in hospitals and surgical centers, often using cutting-edge tools like robotic surgery systems and 3D imaging. To become an orthopedic surgeon, you need to complete medical school followed by a 5-year orthopedic surgery residency program.
Did you know?
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires 4 years of medical school, 5 years of orthopedic residency, and often an additional 1-2 year fellowship, totaling 10-12 years of post-undergraduate education.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$212,252.50 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Key Responsibilities
- Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
- Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
- Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.
- Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
- Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
- Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes related to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.
- Prepare case histories.
- Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
- Operate on patient's musculoskeletal system to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patient's functions.
- Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
- Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.
- Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions, and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
- Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient's operative area.
Career Considerations
Extensive Training Requirements
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires 4 years of medical school, 5 years of orthopedic residency, and often an additional 1-2 year fellowship, totaling 10-12 years of post-undergraduate education.
High Malpractice Insurance Costs
Orthopedic surgeons face some of the highest malpractice insurance premiums in medicine, often exceeding $100,000 annually, which significantly impacts net income despite high salaries.
Demanding Work Schedule
The profession requires long surgical hours, emergency on-call duties, and weekend availability, making work-life balance challenging and potentially affecting personal relationships.