Orthopedic Surgery

Sophie Baldwin, 3/28/24

Orthopedic surgery involves the management and treatment of diseases affecting the skeletal and muscular systems. Though they are surgeons, orthopedic surgeons can also treat disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system non-surgically. Much of orthopedic surgery involves the care and treatment of disorders affecting joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons. Because the musculoskeletal system facilitates movement, orthopedics is a highly satisfying field as orthopedic surgeons can greatly improve a patient's quality of life.

Fast Facts

• Salary: $560,000

• DO friendly? No

• IMG friendly? No

• Competitiveness: High

• Match rate: 80%

• Average step-one: 248

• Surgical? Yes

Becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon

• 4 years of undergraduate

• 4 years of medical school

• 5 years of orthopedic surgery residency

• 1 year of fellowship (optional)

Work-life Balance

Orthopedic surgeons can have a more difficult work-life balance. Orthopedic surgeons can be frequently called in for emergencies and can work sporadic hours, especially during their longer residency. Orthopedic surgeons can see both in-patients and out-patients. Private practice orthopedic surgeons can have more control over their hours. Though these physicians can work long hours, they are one of the best-compensated specialties in medicine, raising overall job satisfaction.

Fellowships

• Foot and Ankle Orthopedics (1 year)

• Hand Surgery & Upper Extremity (1 year)

• Joint Preservation (1 year)

• Orthopedic Sports Medicine (1 year)

• Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine (1 year)

• Orthopedic Trauma (1 year)

• Pediatric Orthopedics (1 year)

Job Satisfaction and Outlook

• 56.8% report burnout (NIH)

• 70% report job satisfaction (NIH)

• 7% projected job growth (2018-2028) (Zippia)

Sources

https://residency.wustl.edu/choosing-a-specialty/specialty-descriptions/orthopedic-surgery/

https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/how-competitive-is-an-orthopaedic-surgery-residency/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10167527/

https://www.zippia.com/orthopedic-surgeon-jobs/trends/