What should an orthopedic surgeon major in

Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in the musculoskeletal system - the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are so essential to movement and everyday life. Dislocated joints. Hip or back pain. Arthritis which afflicts half of seniors age 65 and older. Acute, chronic, or degenerative, all of these common disorders fall under orthopedics. Hand and wrist specialists only see hand and wrist cases. Joint surgeons only treat hip or knee patients with arthritis or another limiting joint condition.

This lets them diagnose, treat and even prevent orthopedic problems with next-level precision. But even sub-specialized orthopedic surgeons are abundant, leading back to these questions:.

And, finally, if I see an orthopedic surgeon, does it automatically mean surgery is in my future? For example, an introductory psychology class can help you understand how people process medical information and how to communicate more effectively.

A sociology class could help you gain a better grasp on the social factors that contribute to disease. Van Thompson is an attorney and writer. A former martial arts instructor, he holds bachelor's degrees in music and computer science from Westchester University, and a juris doctor from Georgia State University.

College Degrees for Orthopedic Surgeons. Orthopedic surgeons also have the ability to replace joints with prosthetic devices, called total joint replacement.

Stay current with career requirements. Orthopedic surgeons, even after receiving licensure and having their own practice, must maintain understanding of the medical field. They must know current medical technologies, stay abreast of medical ethics, and keep up to date with pharmacology and physiology. Know the projected job growth and salary. Both the prospects for growth in this field and the salary of orthopedic surgeons are hopeful for prospective doctors. The median U.

Part 4. Work for a hospital. Currently only about eight percent of orthopedic surgeons are employed solely by hospitals, although that number is predicted to increase over the next few years. Hospital employment is good for surgeons who want predictable hours and freedom from the stress of managing their own practices. Start your own practice. About 20 percent of orthopedic surgeons today run their own practices, which is a lot more than the eight percent who work in hospitals.

Private solo practices are good for surgeons who want to make a name for themselves, want freedom to dictate their own schedules, and who don't mind paperwork. Be part of an orthopedic group. The vast majority percent--of orthopedic surgeons work in private practice, which means they either work as part of an orthopedic group or part of a multi-specialty group. The downside of joining a group of surgeons in the same specialty is that it reduces potential for making a strong name for yourself.

Function as part of a multi-specialty group. Some orthopedic surgeons join practices that offer other specialties in orthopedics, such as spine, sports medicine, and hip surgeons.

Multi-specialty offices tend to pay surgeons at a higher rate than other locations. Do you need to study and practice orthopedic surgery for 18 years before becoming an actual surgeon? Janice Litza, MD. Your first exposure to the operating room is in medical school and you will be performing increasing numbers of surgeries in residency.

Once you finish, you have to have enough cases to be eligible for your board exam, but you are performing as an orthopedic surgeon all along. Not Helpful 3 Helpful What can I do in high school to shorten the amount of time I have to spend in school and get a head start?

Taking AP classes for college credit and understanding if any college classes count toward medical school credit are 2 ways you can get a head start other than taking summer classes. Not Helpful 5 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Many orthopedists are involved in education, either by teaching in medical school or supervising residents. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. The above steps address how to become an orthopedic surgeon in the U.

For example, in the UK, doctors who have completed their training may opt for an orthopedic specialty by taking a two-year foundation program followed by selection into higher training programs. The need for orthopedic surgeons is influenced by an aging population and medical-technological advancements. Related wikiHows How to. How to. More References About This Article. You typically complete the first and second parts during your third and fourth years of medical school, respectively.

These sections cover basic medicine, diagnostics and disease. During your last year of medical school, you will apply for a residency program that will provide you with specialized orthopedic training.

An orthopedic surgery residency program typically lasts five years and includes surgical rounds, attending conferences and learning about orthopedic specialties such as hand surgery, pediatrics and more.

Toward the end of your residency, you must pass the third part of the USMLE, which includes clinical management and medical and surgical competency. The American Board of Physician Specialties offers orthopedic surgery as one of its 24 specialty boards.

Pass the board exam to show you are a specialist in your field. Each state has its own medical licensing requirements. You must apply for and receive a license in your state of practice to legally work as an orthopedic surgeon there. It typically takes at least 60 days to get your state license after applying.

You can begin applying for orthopedic surgeon positions at hospitals, private practices and universities while you are still in residency. Some people get job offers with the institution at which they completed their residency.

Others seek jobs themselves or get recruited to a practice. Our sport medicine practice is looking for an experienced orthopedic surgeon to join our team of sports med specialists. The orthopedic surgeon will be responsible for meeting with patients with sports-related injuries and recommending the best course of treatment for each individual. Candidates should have exceptional interpersonal skills and be committed to their ongoing education in the orthopedic field.

The orthopedic surgeon will perform, on average, six surgeries a week and work closely with primary care physicians and rehab therapists to return patients to full function. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience operating on orthopedic injuries and be board-certified in sports medicine. If you are interested in a career as an orthopedic surgeon, you might also learn about related careers, such as:. Find jobs. Company reviews.

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