A career in orthopedic surgery provides professional and licensed surgeons many opportunities to focus on the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Aside from the major specialization area, these s...

A career in orthopedic surgery provides professional and licensed surgeons many opportunities to focus on the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Aside from the major specialization area, these surgeons can also choose among several subspecialties, such as hand surgery and sports medicine. In total, it takes 8 to 9 years of post-baccalaureate education to pursue a career in this field. If becoming an orthopedic surgeon is something you are interested in, here are some information that will help you in making your decision relating to your career path.

Job Description

Orthopedic surgeons are the ones who operate on patients who are suffering from any type of musculoskeletal condition, including neck, leg, arm, and tissue ailments. There are many types of orthopedic disorders, which may also range from deformities since birth to various musculoskeletal tumors, trauma, and injuries. The surgery performed by orthopedic surgeons involves the use of general anesthesia on patients.

Educational Requirement

Anyone who wants to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery should first complete a 4 year college degree program in pre-medicine, biology, or in any related field. After earning a bachelor抯 degree, they need to spend four more years in medical school, which must then be followed by an orthopedic surgery residency in any medical facility for another 4 to 5 years. In general, the first year as a resident surgeon will involve general surgeries only. But the following years in residency will have these surgeons deal with various training on orthopedic-specific surgeries. Should a surgeon wish to specialize in a certain subspecialty, like pediatric orthopedics or orthopedic sports medicine, an additional 2 years will be spent on fellowship will follow their residency period.

Certification and Licensing

Just like any other type of doctor, orthopedic surgeons are required to pass the US Medical Licensing Examination for them to be allowed to practice. There are several parts by which this licensing exam may be taken. In most cases, those who are still in their residency period are the ones taking such an exam. There is also an exam given by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery to those who would like to be certified in orthopedic surgery. All licensed orthopedic surgeons must also renew their licenses or certifications every 7 to 10 years.

Necessary Skills

Aside from the educational attainment and sufficient training required to practice in the field of orthopedic surgery, an orthopedic surgeon also must possess certain skills to last in this job. First of all, they need to be an expert on musculoskeletal health, disease treatment and disease prevention. As an expert in orthopedic surgery, one also has to be able to withstand long hours of work while also needing to make important decisions despite any pressure.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected growth of 22% in the demand for surgeons and physicians in general. This is particularly the case in rural areas in the US. But it is in the private practice arena that will see the most rise in the demand.