Is becoming an orthopedic surgeon right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
Still unsure if becoming an orthopedic surgeon is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become an orthopedic surgeon or another similar career!
Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
How to become an Orthopedic Surgeon
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon involves several years of education, training, and licensure. Here is a general overview of the steps to pursue this career path:
- Undergraduate Education: Obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific major required for admission to medical school, pre-med coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics is typically recommended. Maintain a high GPA and participate in extracurricular activities related to healthcare or community service.
- Medical School: Complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited medical school. Medical school typically takes four years to complete and includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations in various medical specialties. During medical school, students must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) to obtain a medical license.
- Residency Training: After graduating from medical school, aspiring orthopedic surgeons must complete a residency program in orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic surgery residency programs typically last five years and provide comprehensive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Residents gain hands-on experience in orthopedic surgery through rotations in various subspecialties, such as sports medicine, trauma, spine surgery, and joint replacement.
- Fellowship (Optional): Some orthopedic surgeons choose to pursue additional fellowship training in a specific subspecialty of orthopedic surgery, such as hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, pediatric orthopedics, or sports medicine. Fellowships typically last one to two years and provide advanced training and expertise in a specialized area of orthopedic surgery.
- Board Certification: After completing residency training, orthopedic surgeons have the option to become board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). Although board certification is not mandatory to practice as an orthopedic surgeon, it demonstrates a commitment to excellence and may enhance career opportunities and credibility.
- State Licensure: Obtain a medical license from the state in which you plan to practice. Requirements for medical licensure vary by state but typically include passing the appropriate licensing examination (USMLE or COMLEX), completing residency training, and meeting other state-specific requirements, such as background checks and documentation of clinical experience.
- Continuing Education: Maintain licensure and stay current with advances in the field of orthopedic surgery through participation in continuing medical education (CME) activities and professional development opportunities. Orthopedic surgeons are lifelong learners who continuously strive to enhance their knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality of care to their patients.
Board Certification
Board certification for orthopedic surgeons is administered by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). This certification is a voluntary credential that demonstrates a surgeon's expertise and commitment to excellence in the field of orthopedic surgery. To become board-certified, orthopedic surgeons must complete a rigorous examination process that assesses their knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
The process of board certification typically begins after completion of an accredited orthopedic surgery residency program, which typically lasts five years. After residency, orthopedic surgeons are eligible to sit for the ABOS Part I Examination, a written examination that covers basic science and clinical knowledge relevant to orthopedic surgery. Upon passing the Part I Examination, surgeons move on to the Part II Examination, which consists of oral examinations focused on specific areas of orthopedic surgery, such as trauma, sports medicine, or spine surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons who successfully pass both the Part I and Part II Examinations are awarded Diplomate status by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, indicating their achievement of the highest level of proficiency and competency in orthopedic surgery. Board certification is not a one-time event; it requires ongoing maintenance through participation in continuing medical education (CME) activities and periodic recertification examinations to ensure that board-certified orthopedic surgeons stay current with advances in the field and maintain the highest standards of patient care.