Undergraduate Degree:
First, you need to complete an undergraduate degree, typically a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. This usually takes four years and involves coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and other science-related subjects.
Medical School:
After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to attend medical school. This is usually a four-year program that provides a comprehensive education in medicine and includes clinical rotations in various specialties, including orthopedics.
Residency Training:
After medical school, you'll need to complete a residency training program in orthopedic surgery. This typically lasts for five years and involves hands-on training under the supervision of experienced orthopedic surgeons. During this time, you'll gain experience in various aspects of orthopedic surgery, such as diagnosing and treating bone, muscle, and joint disorders, performing surgical procedures, and managing patient care.
Additional Fellowships (Optional):
Some orthopedic surgeons choose to pursue additional fellowship training in a subspecialty area of orthopedics, such as sports medicine, joint replacement, or pediatric orthopedics. Fellowships typically last one to two years and allow you to gain specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area.
Board Certification:
After completing residency and any additional fellowships, you'll need to become board certified by passing exams offered by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). Board certification demonstrates your competency and expertise in the field.
So, the total time to become an Orthopedic Surgeon usually takes around 13-15 years after high school, including undergraduate degree, medical school, residency training, and any additional fellowships.