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

Mar 28, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Pediatric orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating musculoskeletal issues in children, including injuries, deformities, and conditions like scoliosis. These surgeons are well-trained in diagnosing and managing orthopedic problems in children and adolescents in order to prevent long-term disability or deformity. Proper evaluation and treatment of a childs musculoskeletal condition can go a long way in improving their quality of life.

Common treatments include physical therapy, bracing, casting, and surgical intervention. With the help of pediatric orthopedic surgeons, children can maintain or improve their mobility, strength, and development. The scope of orthopedic surgery is wide and includes procedures such as spinal fusion, joint replacement, arthroscopy, and corrective osteotomies.

Furthermore, pediatric orthopedic surgeons collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, radiologists, and nurses to provide comprehensive care.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a pediatric orthopedic surgeon is to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Depending on the school, a student may choose to major in pre-med, biology, or another related field.
Complete Medical School. After earning a bachelor's degree, the next step is to attend and complete medical school. During medical school, students will take courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and other medical topics.
Obtain a Medical License. After graduating from medical school, aspiring pediatric orthopedic surgeons must obtain a medical license in order to practice medicine. Requirements vary by state, but typically include passing the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam) and completing a certain number of hours of clinical experience.
Complete a Residency Program. Following medical school and obtaining a license, the next step is to complete a residency program in orthopedic surgery. During the residency, surgeons will gain experience in treating pediatric orthopedic conditions as well as performing surgeries.
Become Board Certified. After completing the residency program, surgeons must become board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in order to practice as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. This involves passing both written and oral exams.
Pursue Fellowship Training. Although not required, some pediatric orthopedic surgeons choose to pursue additional fellowship training in order to specialize in a particular area such as scoliosis or sports medicine.

Pediatric orthopedic surgery is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions in children. It is important for pediatric orthopedic surgeons to strive for ideal and efficient care in order to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. To do this, pediatric orthopedic surgeons must use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to correctly diagnose and treat a variety of conditions.

They must also be familiar with the most up-to-date treatments and technologies, as well as the latest research in the field. pediatric orthopedic surgeons must be mindful of the psychological and emotional needs of their patients and their families, as well as their physical needs. By combining their expertise with a holistic approach to patient care, pediatric orthopedic surgeons are able to provide the most ideal and efficient care possible.

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Job Description

Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems, including congenital and acquired deformities, diseases, and injuries in pediatric patients.
Provide preventative care and surgical treatments for pediatric orthopedic conditions including fractures, dislocations, and sports injuries.
Manage post-operative care for pediatric patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery.
Perform physical examinations to assess a childs musculoskeletal condition and determine the best course of action.
Interpret and analyze X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging studies.
Educate parents and caregivers on proper care for orthopedic injuries and conditions.
Prescribe medications and other treatments to manage pain and inflammation.
Collaborate with other medical professionals to coordinate a patients care.
Keep accurate records of patient progress, treatments, and outcomes.
Stay current on medical advancements related to pediatric orthopedics.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics
Expertise in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in pediatric patients
Ability to assess an individual's mobility and function using physical examination techniques
Proficiency in performing orthopedic surgeries, such as bone and joint reconstructions
Ability to perform non-surgical treatments, such as casting and bracing
Expertise in the use of imaging techniques, such as X-ray, CT scan and MRI
Knowledge of rehabilitation techniques and medications used to treat orthopedic conditions
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with patients, families and other healthcare providers
Ability to stay current with new developments in pediatric orthopedic surgery
Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage multiple patients simultaneously

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal problems in children. Their expertise is critical to improving the quality of life for young patients suffering from physical ailments. In order to perform their duties effectively, pediatric orthopedic surgeons must possess a range of abilities, including technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving aptitude.

Technical knowledge includes an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, as well as the ability to interpret diagnostic images. Interpersonal skills are essential for establishing trusting relationships with patients and their families and communicating effectively with other medical professionals. Problem-solving aptitude is necessary for designing appropriate treatments for each individual patient.

Together, these skills enable pediatric orthopedic surgeons to provide effective care for children suffering from musculoskeletal disorders.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in pediatric orthopedic surgery?
What experience do you have working with pediatric patients?
How do you stay current on the latest pediatric orthopedic treatments?
What challenges have you faced in treating pediatric orthopedic conditions?
How do you ensure patient safety when performing orthopedic procedures?
What methods do you use for pain management for pediatric patients?
How do you handle difficult conversations with parents about their childs diagnosis?
How do you help children learn to manage their condition and cope with their limitations?
What strategies do you use to help children become more physically active?
How do you work with other members of the healthcare team to provide comprehensive care to pediatric patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Cast Cutter. A tool used to cut off casts from patients limbs. (eg: Cast Cutter Pro)
Staple Remover. A tool used to remove staples from wounds. (eg: Staple Remover Deluxe)
Drill Bits. A type of tool used to drill holes into bones. (eg: Cobalt Drill Bits)
Osteotome. A tool used to cut and shape bones. (eg: Osteotome Precision)
Bone Plates. A type of implant used to repair bones. (eg: Titanium Bone Plates)
External Fixator. A type of device used to hold bones in place. (eg: External Fixator System)
Bone Saw. A tool used to cut through bones. (eg: Bone Saw Surgical)
Arthroscope. A type of camera used to view inside the joint cavity. (eg: Arthroscope Digital)
Bone Grafting Tools. A type of tool used to attach two pieces of bone together. (eg: Synthetic Bone Grafting Kit)
Orthopedic Forceps. A type of tool used to grasp and manipulate tissue. (eg: Orthopedic Forceps Deluxe)

Professional Organizations to Know

Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA)
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
American Orthopaedic Association (AOA)
Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS)
Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of India (POSI)
Pediatric Orthopedic Society of Asia (POSA)
International Pediatric Orthopaedic Society (IPOS)
European Pediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS)
International Society for Children's Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation (ISCOs)

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Common Important Terms

Scoliosis. A condition of the spine in which the curve is abnormally curved from side to side.
Osteotomy. A surgical procedure in which a bone is cut to correct deformity or to restore function.
Fracture. A break in a bone or cartilage.
Spondylolisthesis. A forward displacement of one vertebra over another.
Arthroscopy. A minimally-invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside a joint.
Perthes Disease. A condition that can cause a hip joint to degenerate due to poor blood supply to the upper thigh bone.
Clubfoot. A deformity in which the foot is twisted out of position, making it difficult to walk.
Kyphosis. An abnormally curved spine that causes the shoulders and upper back to appear rounded or hunched.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease. A condition in which the patella (kneecap) becomes inflamed due to excessive physical activity.
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. A condition in which the upper part of the thigh bone slips off the lower part of the bone at the hip joint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon?

A Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon is a medical doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal ailments and injuries in children, infants and adolescents.

What conditions do Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons treat?

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including fractures, cerebral palsy, scoliosis, clubfoot, hip dysplasia, and sports injuries.

How long does it take to become a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon?

To become a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, one must complete four years of medical school, followed by five years of an orthopedic residency, and then an additional year of fellowship for pediatric orthopedics. This process can take up to 10 years.

What type of training do Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons have?

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions in infants, children and adolescents. They must have a deep understanding of the anatomy and physiology of a growing body and have the skills to perform complex surgeries and procedures.

What are the benefits of seeing a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon?

The main benefit of seeing a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon is that they specialize in treating children, which means they can provide specialized care tailored to the needs of each patient. They also understand the unique challenges of growing bodies and are skilled in managing the healing process.