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Career as an Orthopedic Surgeon: How to Become, Courses, Job Profiles, Salary & Scope
Orthopedic surgery is a highly specialized medical field that focuses on diagnosing and preventing disorders related to the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. As an orthopedic surgeon you would be tasked with restoring mobility, improving the quality of life and easing pain for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you’re interested in treating fractures, joint replacements or chronic conditions like arthritis this is a rewarding and dynamic career. Let’s dive into how to become orthopedic surgeon, the courses involved with potential job profiles, salary expectations, career scope.
Steps for Becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon is a long but fulfilling journey that involves several stages of education and training. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step1: Complete your basic education
To start with students, need to complete their high school education with a focus on subjects like biology, chemistry and physics which are critical for your future studies. You will also need to pursue a bachelor’s degree (preferably in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry or physics) although some students may opt for pre-med program.
Step 2: Earn Medical Degree (MBBS) with NEET UG entrance examination
The National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET UG) is a key step for gaining admission to undergraduate medical course like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BHMS and other programs in approved medical, dental, AYUSH colleges and deemed universities across India including prestigious like AIIMS and JIPMER.
To purse an MBBS degree which is essential for becoming for becoming a surgeon candidates must successfully clear the NEET UG exam with the required score and participate in the subsequent counselling process for admission to a medical college.
Step 3: Obtain a Postgraduate Degree in Orthopedics (MS or MD)
After completing your MBBS the next step is pursuing Master of Surgery (MS) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) with a specialization in orthopedics. This program typically last 3 years and provides advanced training in the surgical management of musculoskeletal disorders, fractures, join replacements and other orthopedic conditions.
Alternatively, some medical students may opt for Course in Orthopedics which is a shorter program but still provides in-depth knowledge.
Step 4: Pursue Fellowship or Specialization
Postgraduation, various orthopedic surgeons choose to specialize further by pursuing fellowship in areas like spine surgery, joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, or pediatric orthopedics. These fellowships often last 1-2 years and provide highly specialized training.
Step 5: Gain Practical Experience
Before starting your practice, gaining hands-on experience is critical. Most surgeons work under supervision in hospitals or clinics during their training years to acquire practical skills in surgical procedures, patient care and diagnosis.
List of Orthopedic Surgery Specialties
In addition to your basic and postgraduate training there are various specializations that an orthopedic surgeon can pursue to further enhance their expertise. These include:
- Spine Surgery: Dealing with spinal conditions such as disc herniations, scoliosis, and spinal injuries.
- Sports Medicine: Focused on treating athletic injuries, sports-related musculoskeletal conditions and rehabilitation.
- Joint Replacement Surgery: Specializing in knee, hip and shoulder replacement particularly for older patients suffering from arthritis or degenerative diseases.
- Pediatric Orthopedics: Focusing on musculoskeletal issues in children such as scoliosis or congenital deformities.
- Trauma Orthopedics: Dealing with emergency cases of fractures and traumatic injuries to the bones and joints.
Job Profiles for an Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic Surgeons have the flexibility to work in a variety of settings depending on their area of interest and expertise. Some common job profiles include:
- Orthopedic Surgeon: These surgeons handle a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions from fractures to arthritis performing both surgical and non-surgical interventions.
- Joint Replacement Surgeon: Specializes in replacing damaged or worn-out joints particularly knee and hip replacements.
- Spine Surgeon: Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders including surgery for conditions such as herniated discs and spinal deformities.
- Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon: Works with children to address congenital conditions or growth-related issues in the bone and joints.
- Sports Orthopedic Surgeon: Focuses on treating sport injuries, performing surgeries like ligament repairs, cartilage repairs and fracture management in athletes.
- Orthopedic Researcher: Some orthopedic surgeons may pursue career in research studying innovative treatments and surgical techniques.
Salary & Scope of an Orthopedic Surgeon
The salary of an orthopedic surgeon can vary greatly depending on location, experience and specialization. Here’s a general overview:
- In India an orthopedic surgeon’s salary typically ranges from 8-15 lakhs per annum in the early stages of their career. Experienced surgeons can earn upwards of 20-30 lakhs per annum or more especially if they work in private hospitals or have a specialized practice.
- In the United States orthopedic surgeons generally earn a median annual salary of about $400,000 to $500,000 depending on factors like specialization and geographic location.
Career Scope and Growth
The demand for orthopedic surgeons is expected to rise in the coming years due to the aging population and an increasing number of people suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. In particular the growing prevalence of conditions like osteoarthritis, joint degeneration and sports injuries means that orthopedic surgeon will be in high demand.
Additionally, there is significant scope for global mobility as orthopedic surgery is a high respected field worldwide. Surgeons can work in top hospitals across the globe, participate in cutting-edge research and even teach medical students or other surgeons in academic settings.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What to study to become an orthopedic surgeon?
After pursuing your MBBS degree and completing the residency programme, you may enrol in a post-graduate course in orthopaedics. Such a course provides the opportunity to specialise and develop in-depth knowledge of this branch of medical practice.
- What is the highest paid type of orthopedic surgeon?
High Paying Orthopedic Surgeon Jobs
- Orthopaedic General. Salary range: $350,000-$400,000 per year
- Foot and Ankle Surgeon. Salary range: $50,500-$300,000 per year
- Spine Surgeon. Salary range: $250,000-$250,000 per year
- Orthopedics Pediatric Physician. Salary range: $170,000-$213,500 per year.
- How many types of orthopedics are there?
There are generally two types of orthopedists: surgical and nonsurgical. The former are called orthopedic surgeons, while nonsurgical orthopedists include physiatrists and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists. An orthopedist often works as part of a larger orthopedic treatment team.
- How many years for orthopedics?
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon in India typically takes around 11 to 15 years of education and training after completing high school. This includes a bachelor’s degree (MBBS), internship, postgraduate degree (MS or DNB), residency, and optional fellowship training.
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