Orthopedic Surgeon

Your Fit

Income

$188K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

1.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

An Orthopedic Surgeon is a medical doctor specialized in diagnosing, treating, and performing surgeries related to injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They play a crucial role in treating injuries and conditions that affect a person's mobility and quality of life.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Orthopedic Surgeon.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does an Orthopedic Surgeon earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$129K per year	$213K per year	$188K per year	$350K per year	$400K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $140K above the national average.

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What does an Orthopedic Surgeon do?

Work environment

Orthopedic Surgeons primarily work in hospitals, both in the operating room and inpatient units, and also in private practices or clinics. They may work long and irregular hours, including on-call duties, especially in hospitals. The work is highly demanding, both mentally and physically, often requiring lengthy surgical procedures.

Quick task list

Diagnoses musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
Performs surgical procedures to repair or replace damaged bones, joints, and ligaments.
Oversees patient recovery and rehabilitation post-surgery.
Consults with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Keeps up to date with advancements in orthopedic surgery techniques and technologies.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Orthopedics: Specializing in musculoskeletal problems in children.
Sports Medicine: Focusing on treating sports injuries and improving athletic performance.
Joint Replacement: Expertise in replacing arthritic or damaged joints.
Spine Surgery: Specializing in surgical treatments for spine disorders.
Trauma Surgery: Focusing on severe musculoskeletal injuries, often in emergency settings.

Description

Orthopedic Surgery is a highly specialized and rewarding medical field. Orthopedic Surgeons must have a deep understanding of the entire musculoskeletal system to effectively treat a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries and degenerative diseases to congenital disorders and trauma. The role requires technical surgical expertise, a strong knowledge base in anatomy and physiology, and the ability to make quick, decisive actions during surgeries.

Orthopedic Surgeons work closely with other healthcare professionals, including primary care doctors, physical therapists, and anesthesiologists, to provide comprehensive patient care. They must keep abreast of the latest surgical techniques and technology advancements, as the field is continuously evolving with new treatment methods and innovative surgical equipment.

The profession demands excellent communication skills to discuss treatment options and prognosis with patients and their families. Orthopedic Surgeons need to be compassionate and patient-focused, as they often help patients through challenging recoveries and long-term rehabilitation.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a tangible difference in patients' lives by improving or restoring mobility.
The intellectual challenge of complex surgical procedures.
Continuous learning and mastering cutting-edge surgical techniques.

You might make a good Orthopedic Surgeon if you are...

Fascinated by the human musculoskeletal system and how it functions.
Skilled with your hands and have excellent coordination and manual dexterity.
Able to make quick, decisive decisions under pressure.
Compassionate and able to provide reassurance and clear explanations to patients.
Dedicated to long-term learning and professional development.

Pros:

High level of satisfaction from helping patients lead more active lives.
Prestige and respect as a specialized surgeon.
Financially rewarding career.

Cons:

Long and demanding educational and training pathway.
Physically and mentally demanding work with long hours.
High levels of responsibility and potential stress.

How to become an Orthopedic Surgeon

Typical education

Becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon requires extensive education, including 4 years of undergraduate study, 4 years of medical school, and 5 years of residency in orthopedic surgery. Many also pursue additional fellowship training in a subspecialty, which can take 1-2 more years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to build a strong foundation in sciences.
Mathematics, particularly Algebra and Geometry, for developing analytical skills.
Anatomy or Human Biology to gain an understanding of the human body's structure and function.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in sports or physical fitness activities to understand the importance of musculoskeletal health.
Volunteering at healthcare facilities, particularly in orthopedic or rehabilitation departments.
Joining science clubs or medical exploration groups to explore interests in medicine and surgery.

Preparation after high school

Earn a Bachelor's degree, preferably in a pre-med or science-related field.
Attend medical school, focusing on coursework and clinical experiences relevant to surgery and orthopedics.
Complete a residency program in orthopedic surgery, followed by a fellowship for further specialization.
Gain certification from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS).

More resources

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) - Provides educational resources and guidelines for orthopedic surgeons.
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) - Offers board certification and maintenance of certification for orthopedic surgeons.
The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery - A leading peer-reviewed journal with the latest research and developments in orthopedic surgery.
Orthogate - An online resource providing information and news on orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal health.

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