Embarking on a Career as an Orthopedic Surgeon

Pre-medical programs are an exciting time of discovery. During this phase of your education, you likely found a few specialties that spark your interest. If orthopedics stands out as a possible career field, UAG School of Medicine can provide the training you need. Preparing for a career in orthopedic surgery isn’t always easy, but the results are well worth it. Learn more about orthopedic surgery and how to embark on your career journey.

What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Let’s start with the basics—what does an orthopedic surgeon do? Orthopedic surgeons focus on diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
They use both surgical and non-surgical methods to treat a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries to complex spinal deformities. Their work is not just about performing surgeries; it’s about developing comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Orthopedics Is a Rewarding Field

Whether you specialize in treating sports injuries or managing joint pain, orthopedic surgery is a rewarding field. Orthopedic surgeons have the opportunity to make a profound impact on their patients’ lives, helping them regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. Physicians in this specialty often get a sense of fulfillment from seeing a patient walk again or helping them return to normal activities. While they may not see immediate results in every patient, they certainly have a lasting impact on their community’s health and well-being.

What Education Is Needed to Become an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Now, let’s take a look at how to become an orthopedic surgeon. It all starts with pre-med coursework. The undergraduate years establish a foundation for the coming years. Ideally, you should choose a major in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry. Students who gain experience through internships or volunteer positions during this time get a leg up when continuing their education.

Medical School

With an undergraduate degree in hand, it’s time to move on to medical school. Medical school lasts another four years and will provide you with a comprehensive education in various medical fields. Be prepared to delve deep into anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology. Your performance in medical school will be critical for securing a residency in orthopedic surgery.

Residency Programs

After medical school, you’ll need to complete a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery. This training period is intensive, offering hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced surgeons. You’ll learn various surgical techniques, patient management, and how to handle complex cases.

Focus Your Education with a Subspeciality

Orthopedic surgery is a broad category, and it pays to choose a subspecialty during medical school. You have lots of options, and each one will get you closer to a rewarding career in orthopedics. Consider these common subspecialties:

Sports Medicine—Focuses on the treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries.
Pediatric Orthopedics—Looks at musculoskeletal issues in infants, children, and adolescents and addresses conditions like scoliosis and congenital deformities.
Spine Surgery—Concentrates on diagnosing and treating disorders of the spine, including herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
Joint Replacement—Focuses on using surgical interventions to replace damaged joints, particularly hip and knee replacements.
Trauma Surgery—Addresses acute injuries, fractures, and traumatic conditions that require immediate surgical intervention.
Orthopedic Oncology—Concentrates on diagnosing and treating bone tumors and other cancer-related orthopedic issues.
Foot and Ankle Surgery—Specializes in conditions affecting the foot and ankle, including fractures, arthritis, and deformities.
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery—Involves surgery related to the hand, wrist, and elbow to manage issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendon injuries.

Qualities and Skills of Orthopedic Professionals

While academic excellence is crucial, certain personal qualities and skills are equally important for a successful career in orthopedic surgery. Consider developing these three key qualities as you embark on a career in orthopedic care:

Manual Dexterity—Orthopedic surgeons perform intricate procedures that require excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Practicing these skills early on through hobbies like playing musical instruments or participating in sports is beneficial.
Problem-Solving Skills—Every surgical case presents unique challenges. Being able to think critically and solve problems efficiently is essential. Your UAG School of Medicine education and real-world experience will help hone these skills.
Emotional Resilience—The medical field can be emotionally taxing, no matter your specialty. Orthopedic surgeons are no strangers to human suffering, as they often see patients with traumatic injuries and chronic conditions. Emotional resilience will help you cope with the stress and maintain a compassionate approach to patient care.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Orthopedic Surgeon?

When you decide to become an orthopedic surgeon, you’re signing up for many years of education. But don’t let the timeline scare you off—the years of training are worth it once you’ve experienced the gratification of helping your community. Here’s a general guide to how long you’ll spend at each stage of training:

Four years of undergraduate education
Four years of medical school
Five years of orthopedic residency
One to two years of fellowship to establish a subspecialty (optional)
13-15 years total after high school

How Much Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Make?

Orthopedic surgery is one of the highest-paying medical specialties. In fact, the average annual salary is well into six figures. However, it’s important to remember that salaries vary widely based on factors such as location, years of experience, and subspecialty. In addition to a substantial salary, orthopedic surgeons often enjoy benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. The financial rewards reflect the high level of expertise and dedication required in this field.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Education

Becoming an orthopedic surgeon is hard, but with the right support system and mindset, you’ll make the most of your education. Here are UAG School of Medicine’s tips for setting yourself up for success:

Find a Mentor

Medical school is the perfect time to find a mentor. Mentorship can play a significant role in your career development, providing guidance, support, and valuable insights into the field. A strong mentor-mentee relationship is built on mutual respect and open communication. Keep in touch regularly, seek feedback, and be open to constructive criticism. The faculty members at UAG School of Medicine are always open to mentoring future orthopedic surgeons.

Join Professional Organizations

Professional organizations offer resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education. Becoming a member can provide valuable benefits and inform you about industry trends. Examples of such organizations include:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Association of Latin Orthopedic Surgeons
Mexican Federation of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
International Society of Fracture Repair
North American Spine Society
Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America

Get Involved with Research

Research is one of the most exciting aspects of medical school. You can seek research opportunities as early as undergrad. Many institutions offer research programs, internships, and fellowships, especially at the graduate level. Working with faculty members on research projects will provide you with hands-on experience and invaluable skills.

Present at Conferences

Conferences and seminars offer a platform to learn about the latest research, surgical techniques, and innovations in orthopedic surgery. They also provide opportunities to network with experienced professionals and peers. If you want to go the extra mile, consider publishing and presenting your work at a conference instead of just attending. This experience can set you apart from other candidates and open doors to further opportunities.

Continue Your Education at the UAG School of Medicine

If a fulfilling career in orthopedic surgery is your goal, join the community of students at UAG School of Medicine. We offer a world-class education to students all over the world, especially in the U.S. states of Arizona, California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Take the first step to your medical career today—get in touch with our admissions team.

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