Orthopedic surgeons help treat disorders in muscles, bones and ligaments. They examine patients, administer medications, order X-rays and perform a wide variety of surgeries and transplants. For example, they can use lasers to remove or shape torn cartilage in a joint, according to SchoolsInTheUSA.com. They also can perform implantations, which might involve placing laboratory cartilage into a patient's knee. Their goal is to help injured patients improve their mobility. They work on ankles, hands and even spines. Orthopedic surgeon training teaches students how to perform these many complex duties.
Aspiring orthopedic surgeons first should complete a bachelor's degree program in a science-related field such as chemistry or biology before applying to medical school. Although students typically are required to have only three years of college training to get into medical school, most students have four-year degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bachelor's degree students complete courses in subjects such as physics, math, English, the social sciences and the humanities.
Getting into medical school is a very competitive process. Medical schools usually require students to have strong scores on their Medical College Admission Test, in addition to submitting competitive transcripts and recommendation letters. Medical schools are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. After being accepted into medical school, aspiring orthopedic surgeons take classes on subjects such as anatomy/physiology, pharmacology, pathology and medical laws. During their final two years of medical school, students complete hospital and clinic rotations in specialties such as surgery. They then complete a one- or two-year internship in general studies.
Medical school graduates can pursue specialty training in orthopedic surgery by enrolling in a five-year orthopedic surgery residency. During this paid, on-the-job residency training, students learn about general surgery and then cover topics related to this specialty field. Students who are interested in focusing on subspecialties, such as pediatric orthopedics or orthopedic sports medicine, also must complete a fellowship that lasts one year.
Specialty training prepares orthopedic surgeons to seek board certification by passing an examination through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, which is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialists. Orthopedic surgeons then must be re-certified every seven to 10 years. Like all physicians and surgeons, orthopedic surgeons also must be licensed before they can practice medicine in the United States by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination.