- The education required to become an orthopedic surgeon involves a Bachelor's of Science degree in biology, chemistry or physics. Students must take the Medical College Admission Test, which includes sections on biological sciences, verbal, physical sciences and a written section. After the MCATs, a student moves on to medical school for four years and, finally, takes the National Board exams. After exams, students will do a one-year internship, followed by four years in residency and one year in fellowship before becoming a practicing orthopedic surgeon.
- Orthopedic surgeons must understand all the current medical technologies, physiology and pharmacology. An aptitude for musculoskeletal health and disease treatment and prevention is essential. Additionally, orthopedic surgeons must develop empathy for patients under their care and have a strong sense of medical ethics regarding surgery and health care.
- Orthopedic surgeons can choose between two different specialties--surgery of the hand and orthopaedic sports medicine. Surgery of the hand is the rehabilitative and surgical care of patients who suffer from problems affecting the wrist and hand. Orthopaedic sports medicine is care of the musculoskeletal system for those individuals who participate in various sporting events.
- To become certified with the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery (AOBOS), an applicant needs to complete a written examination, oral examination, clinical review, chart audit and be observed in surgical cases. Recertification is required every ten years for surgeons who became certified in 1994 or after.
- The average salary will depend on a surgeon's experience, geography, type of facility and their specialty. SalaryExpert.com (see Resources) lists the average salaries for orthopedic surgeons in various major cities, most of which are over $200,000 per year.
