Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in treating injuries and diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. It’s a long journey to become an orthopedic surgeon, and aspiring orthopedists must complete a number of educational steps and gain several years of clinical experience. In this article, we’ll look at how long it takes to become an orthopedic surgeon, what you need to do to get there, and some of the benefits of the profession.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires a significant investment of time and energy. Generally, it takes 14 to 16 years of education and training after high school to become an orthopedic surgeon. This includes four years of medical school, a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery, and a one- or two-year fellowship in a specialized area such as hand surgery, sports medicine, or pediatric orthopedics.
What Are the Steps to Becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon?
The steps to becoming an orthopedic surgeon are as follows:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
You must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific major required to become an orthopedic surgeon, courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and anatomy are important.
2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
After completing a bachelor’s degree, you must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This is a standardized test that evaluates a student’s knowledge in certain areas related to medical school.
3. Apply to Medical School
The next step is to apply to medical school. You will need to complete an application and submit your MCAT scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
4. Complete Medical School
The next step is to complete medical school, which typically takes four years. During medical school, you will take courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and medical ethics. You will also complete clinical rotations in a variety of medical specialties, including orthopedics.
5. Complete a Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
After completing medical school, you will need to complete a residency in orthopedic surgery. A residency is a period of supervised clinical training in a hospital or clinic setting. Orthopedic surgery residencies typically last five years.
6. Obtain a Medical License
After completing a residency, you must obtain a medical license in order to practice medicine. To do this, you must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the state medical board.
7. Complete a Fellowship
Some orthopedic surgeons choose to complete a fellowship in a specialized area such as hand surgery, sports medicine, or pediatric orthopedics. This typically takes one to two years.
What Are the Benefits of Being an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Being an orthopedic surgeon can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. Orthopedic surgeons enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
1. Financial Security
Orthopedic surgeons typically earn a high salary, making it a financially secure career.
2. Helping People
Orthopedic surgeons have the opportunity to help people by restoring mobility and improving quality of life.
3. Exciting Work
Orthopedic surgeons perform a variety of procedures, and no two days are the same.
4. Professional Satisfaction
Orthopedic surgeons have the satisfaction of knowing that they are making a difference in people’s lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon
Q: How long does it take to become an orthopedic surgeon?
A: Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires a significant investment of time and energy. Generally, it takes 14 to 16 years of education and training after high school to become an orthopedic surgeon. This includes four years of medical school, a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery, and a one- or two-year fellowship in a specialized area such as hand surgery, sports medicine, or pediatric orthopedics.
Q: What are the steps to becoming an orthopedic surgeon?
A: The steps to becoming an orthopedic surgeon are as follows: earn a bachelor’s degree, take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), apply to medical school, complete medical school, complete a residency in orthopedic surgery, obtain a medical license, and complete a fellowship.
Q: What are the benefits of being an orthopedic surgeon?
A: Being an orthopedic surgeon can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. Orthopedic surgeons enjoy a wide range of benefits, including financial security, helping people, exciting work, and professional satisfaction.
