How to Be Orthopedic Surgeon - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 13, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating a wide range of bodily injuries and conditions related to bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. By diagnosing the issue and identifying the most appropriate course of treatment, they can help restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Common conditions treated include fractures, torn ligaments, tendonitis, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

The most common treatments performed by orthopedic surgeons include arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement surgery, fracture repair, and soft tissue repair. With proper diagnosis and treatment from an orthopedic surgeon, patients are often able to avoid more invasive and expensive treatments such as physical therapy or long-term medication.

Steps How to Become

Complete a 4-Year College Degree. Most medical schools require applicants to have a 4-year college degree. Most medical schools require applicants to have taken classes in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English.
Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a standardized test that gauges students aptitude for medical school. It tests knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and writing.
Complete a Medical School Program. After being accepted to a medical school program, students will take classes in anatomy, biology, pharmacology, pathology, and other medical subjects. They will also participate in clinical rotations and hands-on training.
Complete a Residency Program. After graduating from medical school, orthopedic surgeons must complete a residency program in orthopedic surgery. This program typically lasts five years and includes supervised training in general orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, pediatric orthopedic surgery, and other subspecialties.
Obtain Licensure. All states require orthopedic surgeons to be licensed before they can practice medicine. To obtain a license, candidates must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). They must also pass a state-specific licensing exam.
Become Board Certified. Orthopedic surgeons can become board certified by passing the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) certification examination. This exam covers topics such as musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, and surgical techniques.

When choosing an orthopedic surgeon, it is important to consider their level of experience and competency. Proper training and experience are essential for providing the best care possible. The more experienced the surgeon, the more adept they will be in diagnosing and treating orthopedic conditions.

they should have a proven track record of successful treatments and be well-versed in the latest technology and techniques. It is also important to evaluate their communication style, bedside manner, and the overall quality of their care. A competent and personable orthopedic surgeon who has the patients best interests at heart will always be ideal.

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Job Description

Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders, such as broken bones, tendonitis, joint pain, sprains and strains, and arthritis.
Perform surgery to repair bone fractures, ligaments, and tendons.
Design and implement treatment plans for patients with orthopedic conditions.
Monitor patients progress through physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Prescribe medications to manage pain and inflammation.
Order diagnostic tests, such as x-rays and MRI scans, to assess the extent of damage.
Consult with other medical professionals to coordinate care for patients.
Educate patients and their families on safety precautions, proper exercise techniques, and post-operative care.
Perform arthroscopic, minimally-invasive, and reconstructive surgeries.
Stay up-to-date on advances in orthopedic surgery and treatments.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge and understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of orthopedic and sports medicine procedures
Ability to diagnose orthopedic injuries and conditions
Skill in performing minor and major orthopedic surgeries
Expertise in arthroscopy and joint arthroplasty
Competence in implantation and manipulation of prosthetic devices
Ability to work with patients to explain procedure, answer questions, and provide post-operative care
Knowledge of proper medical documentation, coding, and filing of insurance forms
Ability to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals
Proficiency in using medical technology and equipment

Having the right skills as an Orthopedic Surgeon is key to providing successful treatment. An effective Orthopedic Surgeon must have a strong knowledge of anatomy, be able to diagnose and interpret medical images, have excellent technical skills, and possess a sound understanding of pathology and epidemiology. Furthermore, they must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and their families.

they must be able to work well with other medical professionals, such as nurses and physical therapists, to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. Finally, effective time management and organizational skills are essential for any Orthopedic Surgeon to ensure that the patient receives prompt and appropriate care. With these skills, an Orthopedic Surgeon can provide successful treatment to patients with musculoskeletal problems and help them return to a healthy and active lifestyle.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become an Orthopedic Surgeon?
How do you evaluate patient cases before making a diagnosis?
What techniques do you use to prepare for and perform surgeries?
How do you communicate with patients about the risks associated with orthopedic surgery?
What measures do you take to stay up-to-date on advances in the field?
How do you handle difficult patient cases?
What challenges have you faced as an Orthopedic Surgeon?
How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals on a team?
What strategies do you use to manage a busy schedule?
How do you ensure patient safety during your procedures?

Common Tools in Industry

Bone Saw. Used to cut bone during orthopedic procedures. (e. g. bone saw to cut femur during hip replacement surgery)
Osteotomes. Used to chisel away bone during joint surgery. (e. g. osteotomes to create a cavity for a hip joint replacement)
Drill. Used to drill holes in bone for screws and pins. (e. g. drill to insert a titanium plate for shoulder fracture repair)
Rasp. Used to reshape bone and smooth surfaces. (e. g. rasp to smooth the edges of a bone after sawing)
Arthroscope. A small flexible tube with a camera used to inspect and diagnose joint problems. (e. g. arthroscope to inspect the knee for meniscus tears)
Nail Extractor. Used to remove broken screws and nails from bones. (e. g. nail extractor to remove a broken screw from the elbow joint)
Forceps. Used to grasp and hold objects during orthopedic procedures. (e. g. forceps to hold a suture during ligament repair surgery)
Clamps. Used to hold bones in place during surgery. (e. g. clamps to stabilize a fractured femur during hip replacement surgery)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Orthopaedic Research Society
International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology
European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
North American Spine Society
Arthroscopy Association of North America
International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
The Paley Institute for Orthopedics and Reconstructive Surgery

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Common Important Terms

Arthroscopy. A minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses an arthroscopea tiny camera attached to a flexible tubeto view, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint.
Osteoarthritis. A common condition that causes the breakdown of the cartilage in a joint, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Spinal Fusion. A surgical procedure used to join two or more vertebrae together to increase joint stability and reduce pain.
Joint Replacement. A surgical procedure used to replace a damaged joint with an artificial joint, such as a hip or knee replacement.
Fracture Repair. Surgery used to repair bones that have been broken or fractured.
Bursitis. Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs in and around a joint, which can cause pain and swelling.
Tendon Repair. Surgery used to repair tendons that have been damaged or torn.
Sports Injury Treatment. Evaluation and treatment of injuries related to physical activity or sports participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of medical professional is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

An Orthopedic Surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in treating conditions and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves.

What types of procedures do Orthopedic Surgeons perform?

Orthopedic Surgeons perform a variety of procedures, including reconstructive surgery, joint replacements, arthroscopic surgery, sports-related injury repair, and spinal surgery.

How long does it take to become an Orthopedic Surgeon?

It typically takes 16 years of education and training to become an Orthopedic Surgeon. This includes a 4-year undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, 5 years of residency and 3 years of fellowship training.

What is the average salary of an Orthopedic Surgeon?

The average salary for an Orthopedic Surgeon in the United States is approximately $531,000 per year.

What is the job outlook for Orthopedic Surgeons?

The job outlook for Orthopedic Surgeons is very good, with an expected growth rate of 7% through 2029. This growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations.