Orthopedic doctors play a major role in ensuring the health and well-being of their patients. Orthopedics is one of the most critical branches of medicine that deals with problems and issues of the musculoskeletal system. It is also an exciting and highly rewarding field. Find out more if this is the right career choice for you.
What is an orthopedic doctor?
The job of a doctor specializing in orthopedics encompasses many different aspects necessary to improve the health of patients with bone-related problems. On a day-to-day basis, the doctor may perform any of these tasks:
- perform a physical checkup of the patient to assess any health problems
- repair broken, fractured, torn or dislocated bones, joints, ligaments and tendons
- provide treatment for bone, joint and muscle issues, including arthritis and physical deformities
- perform physical therapy and other treatments to improve structure and movement and to correct deformities
- treat sports injuries
- treat congenital conditions and infections
- treat bone tumors and cysts
- prescribe the necessary drugs and medications to help alleviate pain and inflammation and provide comfort to the patient
- perform a minor invasive procedure such as an arthroscopy in order to assess problems in the knee, shoulder or hip
- perform surgical operations and transplants if qualified and licensed to do so
Professionals may choose to specialize in any one or several of the branches of orthopedics, including orthopedic pediatrics, physical therapy, orthopedic surgery and rheumatology, to name a few.
Becoming a professional
A doctor in orthopedics requires formal education in order to qualify for a license as a professional. A typical medical course in orthopedics requires about eight years of undergraduate and post-graduate studies. The first four years of undegraduate studies may include introductory courses in medicine, along with other courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics, although it may also include classes in English, social studies and humanities, among others. The next four years will be devoted to the study of medicine and the specific field the student chooses. Another five years will be spent on residency in a clinic or hospital. It is during this period that doctors often choose which field or branch of orthopedics to specialize in.
Licensure
A doctor needs to have a board certification in orthopedics and pass the licensure exam in order to practice.
What is the work environment like?
An orthopedic doctor usually works in a medical facility with other healthcare professionals. He or she typically works long hours, so it is not unusual for a professional in this field to clock in at least 50 hours each week. He or she may work in a private clinic or in a hospital. It is also possible for doctors to be hired exclusively by sports clinics and facilities in order to provide medical services to patients.
On a daily basis, doctors will often receive patients in their clinic for a checkup and/or treatment. Depending on the case, they may also have to work in the operating room to perform surgery. Many doctors also collaborate with other professionals in the field as consultants.
Doctors also perform administrative duties such as making and keeping medical records of their patients, documenting their patients’ medical histories and progress and preparing documents necessary for insurance purposes. To keep up with new technologies, trends and developments in the medical field, doctors are also expected to read and attend lectures and conferences with fellow doctors. Some may even be involved in studies and research to improve medical care for bones, joints and muscles.
Some orthopedic doctors may also teach courses at universities and teaching hospitals. The more experienced ones are also often asked to speak during meetings, conferences and seminars to share their knowledge and expertise.
What is the salary range for a professional in this field?
In 2009, orthopedic doctors earned an average of US$265,000 a year, according to a survey. Surgeons often earn more – the same survey showed that they were paid an average of US$476,000 a year.
Salary varies depending on different factors, such as experience, employer, specialty and location. Doctors who work in clinics and hospitals may also receive bonuses, commissions and increases as a result of their advancement.
Career outlook
The need for skilled and experienced doctors will increase over the next decades as demand for improved medical services rises. As a result, opportunities in the field is expected to be quite excellent, with promising growth in employment as more medical facilities open and/or expand and older doctors retire. Along with improving technology and practices in the medical field, this is a good time to become an orthopedic doctor.