Orthopedic surgery is a challenging and rewarding career that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders. As an orthopedic surgeon, you will be responsible for treating patients with bone and joint problems, fractures, dislocations, arthritis, and other related issues. In this article, we will discuss the steps needed to become an orthopedic surgeon.

1.Begin by pursuing a strong pre-medical education: The journey to becoming an orthopedic surgeon starts by enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree program with an emphasis on pre-medical or health sciences courses. Common areas of study include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A strong foundation in these subjects is crucial for preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and gaining admission to medical school.

2.Gain medical school admission: Once you have successfully completed your undergraduate degree program and obtained a competitive MCAT score, the next step is to apply for medical school. Admission to medical schools is highly competitive, so it’s essential to maintain high grades and demonstrate a strong interest in medicine through extracurricular activities or internships.

3.Complete medical school: Medical school typically lasts four years. In the first two years, students learn essential principles of medicine while attending anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and other relevant courses. The latter two years are dedicated to clinical rotations in various fields such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and family medicine.

4.Choose a surgery specialty: In the final year of medical school or during residency application season (Match), you’ll need to decide which surgical specialty you’d like to pursue. If you’re passionate about orthopedics, this will be the time when you officially commit yourself to focus on orthopedic surgery for your postgraduate training.

5.Complete orthopedic surgery residency: After medical school, aspiring orthopedic surgeons must complete a five-year residency program in orthopedic surgery. Residency programs offer hands-on training under the supervision of experienced orthopedic surgeons, allowing you to build on your foundational medical knowledge and develop your surgical skills. During residency, you’ll gain experience in different aspects of orthopedics, such as sports medicine, adult reconstruction, spine, trauma, pediatrics, and hand surgery.

6.Consider a fellowship for specialization: Following the completion of your residency, you have the option to continue your education and specialize further by enrolling in an orthopedic fellowship program. Fellowship programs usually last one to two years and involve advanced training in specific areas of orthopedics such as spine surgery, joint replacement surgery, or pediatric orthopedics.

7.Obtain board certification: Orthopedic surgeons need to be board-certified before they can practice independently. To become board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), you’ll need to successfully pass both written and oral examinations that test your knowledge and skills as an orthopedic surgeon.

8.Obtain licensure: Lastly, you will need to obtain a state license by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) depending on the type of medical school degree earned (MD or DO).

In conclusion, becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires many years of education and dedication. By following these essential steps, aspiring surgeons can achieve their goals and embark on a fulfilling career in this specialized field of medicine.