Orthopedic Surgeon

By Brenden Hall

What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

An orthopedic surgeon is a surgeon who specializes in diagnoses and
treatment (before, during, and after operation) of injuries of the
musculoskeletal system. They deal with and treat conditions such as :
Arthritis
Bone Tumors
Cerebral Palsy
Deformities of various bones
Dislocations, fractures, sprains, and strains.
Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Orthopedic Surgery as a Career

Salary-wise, this profession is quite appealing, the median pay being

upwards of $187,000 annually.

However, to reap the benefits, one must first acquire a doctoral
degree, as surgeons are expected to have one. This usually is acquired
after completing a 4-year bachelors degree in a subject such as
biology, followed by medical school (4-5 years), followed by a medical
residency prior to obtaining a license (4 years).
Projections show a growth in the industry, estimating an 18% growth in
the next decade.

Appeal of an Orthopedic Surgeon

The main appeal of being an orthopedic surgeon, or any medical doctor, is the

ability to help others in need. While these patients are most likely paying large
sums of money for your work, it is extremely morally satisfying to help
someone in need.
Alongside the moral benefits, as stated previously, an orthopedic surgeon
makes an exorbitant amount of money, meaning financial security will be no
issue once the job is secure.
My curiosity of the unknown coupled with an interest in anatomy and the
human body, and a desire to help those who are in need, is why pursuing a
career as an orthopedic surgeon is a possibility.

Disadvantages of Orthopedic Surgery

While there are countless benefits to being an orthopedic surgeon, there are certainly
drawbacks, and many of them at that. Among others, some disadvantages of the
position include:
Education: Four years of a bachelors degree program followed by 8-9 years of
postgraduate education and training, then one can consider being a surgeon.
Alongside this issue comes the cost of education, which is negated given that one
secures a job as an orthopedic surgeon.
Long Hours: One cannot reap the benefits without sowing the necessary work, and
one cannot expect to be paid large sums without putting in large amounts of work.
The average orthopedic surgeon works anywhere from 60 to 80 or more hours per
week.

Where Can You Find Orthopedic

Surgeons?
One can find a need for orthopedic surgeons anywhere, world-wide, as the need for
treatment of specific injuries will not diminish. However, there are some better, more
prestigious colleges for pursuing the career. For example;
George Washington University
Thomas Jefferson University
Johns Hopkins University
University of Rochester Medical Center
Luckily, job availability is never an issue, as while there may not be open positions in
a given practice, there are many private practices coupled with the ability to open
ones own practice if desired.

One Fact I Learned

While the orthopedic surgeon is generally the one saving,
there is a serious risk of injury in the position. Surgeons, in
general, work with tools such as scalpels, needles, and other
various sharp objects, and work in exposure to airborne
pathogens. While many hospitals have a number of safety
protocols to prevent such issues, the risk is always present.

Works Cited
Swierzewski, Stanley J. "What Is An Orthopedic Surgeon?"Health Communities. N.p., 30

May 2007. Web. 01 Oct. 2015.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Physicians and Surgeons,
on the Internet athttp://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm
(visitedOctober 1, 2015).
"Orthopedic Surgeon: Career Info & Requirements."Study.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Oct.
2015.
Nichols, Lee. "The Disadvantages of Being a Surgeon."EHow.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Oct.
2015.