Is becoming an orthopedist right for me?
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How to become an Orthopedist
Becoming an orthopedist 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 orthopedists 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 orthopedists choose to pursue additional fellowship training in a specific subspecialty of orthopedic surgery, such as hand surgery, sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, or spine surgery. 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, orthopedists have the option to become board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). Board certification involves passing rigorous examinations to demonstrate proficiency and competency in orthopedic surgery. Although board certification is not mandatory to practice as an orthopedist, 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. Orthopedists are lifelong learners who continuously strive to enhance their knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality of care to their patients.
Board Certification
Orthopedic physicians, including those who do not perform surgical procedures, have the option to pursue board certification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) or other specialty boards. While board certification for non-surgical orthopedists may not be as common as it is for orthopedic surgeons, there are still board certifications available for certain subspecialties within orthopedics. Here are some examples:
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Board Certification: Some orthopedic physicians may specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry. Physiatrists focus on non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, such as medication, physical therapy, injections, and assistive devices. Board certification in PM&R is available through the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR).
- Sports Medicine Board Certification: Orthopedic physicians who specialize in sports medicine may pursue board certification through the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), or the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Board certification in sports medicine demonstrates expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries and conditions.
- Non-Surgical Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Medicine Certification: Some specialty boards offer board certification specifically for physicians who focus on non-surgical orthopedics and musculoskeletal medicine. For example, the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) offers subspecialty certification in sports medicine, pain medicine, and neuromuscular medicine, which may be relevant to non-surgical orthopedic practice.
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Certification: Orthopedic physicians who specialize in pediatric orthopedics or pediatric rehabilitation may pursue board certification through the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR). Board certification in pediatric rehabilitation medicine demonstrates expertise in caring for children with musculoskeletal conditions and disabilities.