Orthopedics
- Sanjna H
- Dec 28, 2022
- 3 min read
What is Orthopedics?
Orthopedics is defined as a branch of medicine that focuses on conditions involving the musculoskeletal system.
Salary:
The average salary of an orthopedic surgeon is $474,000, but it can vary depending on the state, hospital, seniority, etc. But while considering specialties, it is important to choose a field you are passionate about and to take into account all factors that make up a certain field.
Education Pathway:
The pathway to becoming any type of doctor starts in high school. It is important to take AP science or math courses to find where your interests lie. After earning a high school diploma, you should plan on attending a four-year college and meeting all the pre-med requirements. Taking these courses will help you earn an undergraduate degree and prepare you for the Medical College Admission Exam (MCAT). The MCAT is an essential part of the medical admission process, it is a 7.5-hour exam, so it is important to study, so you do not have to take it twice. From there, you can apply to medical school, where you must earn either a doctor of medicine (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). At the end of two years, you take a test called Step 1, required by the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or (COMPLEX-USA) for DOs. This exam will help you obtain a medical license and practice medicine. Step 2 for orthopedic students includes two years of clinic training which is concluded by a written test. After medical school, you apply for a residency that is five years long and includes research training and clinical experience which focuses on patient care and trauma management. Ending residency is the final USMLE test on whether physicians can apply their training in ambulatory settings. Finally, to earn an American Board of Orthopedic Surgery(ABOS) certificate, you must complete a written and oral exam. And that is the pathway of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Subspecialties:
Sports Medicine: A sports medicine specialist has expertise in the surgical care for all structures of the musculoskeletal system that is directly affected by a sports activity. This type of specialist is an expert in soft tissue biomechanics, the impact of dietary supplements, training and fitness, and principles of rehabilitation.
Hand surgery: A hand surgeon specialist has expertise in the surgical, medical, and rehabilitative care of patients with diseases, injuries, and disorders affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. This includes carpal tunnel, sports injuries and, cut nerve, tendon, and artery.
Joint replacement: A joint replacement specialist has expertise in damaged or worn-out joints, due to age, wear and tear, or overuse. The most common joint replacements are the hip and knee.
What can you do as an orthopedic surgeon?
As an orthopedic surgeon, you typically work a 9-5 job either working in the operating room or the office. A typical office day includes meeting around 20 patients and answering phone calls, while a typical surgery day consists of 3-6 surgeries per day. Types of surgeries you may perform in a day vary according to the subspecialty you choose.
Facts to consider:
An essential part of pursuing any specialty is to be willing to spend years studying and training, and a lifetime of keeping up with advancements within your field. In addition, the education path to becoming an orthopedic surgeon can be very demanding as you will have to complete 14 years of training and education.
Sources:
Comments