Requirements to Become an Orthopedic Doctor

Although Orthopedic doctors are one of the highest paid, it is not the easiest field to get into. Educational requirements are very strict, and there are a limited number of residency openings each year. Once these requirements are met though, you will be able to take the board exam and be approved to practice.

Orthopedic Surgeons (Orthopedic Doctors)

Orthopedic surgeons work with musculoskeletal systems. They are able to treat patients with trauma or infection to the muscles or skeleton system. Sometimes this involves surgery, which they are licensed to perform. Some surgeons specialize in just certain types of problems, such as foot and ankle surgery.

Orthopedic surgeons put in long hours. They are often on call. The surgeries can be very difficult and require a great attention to detail. You will also have to attend to your office visits.

Education

Orthopedic surgeons complete four years of college before attending four years of medical school. They then go into a residency training program that lasts five years. Getting into the residency program is very difficult as there is a lot of competition for this.

After completing the residency requirements, you will be able to take your board exam to get board certified. This certification is done by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. The test consists of a written and oral exam. You will have to pass this successfully to be certified and licensed to work as an Orthopedic surgeon.

Salary

An Orthopedic surgeon is one of the top paying positions in the medical field. You can expect to earn anywhere from $170,000 to $400,000 a year.