What is an orthopaedic surgeon and how to become one

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the musculoskeletal system. An orthopedic surgeon, therefore, is a medical professional that conducts surgery on various parts of the musculoskeletal system to address issues such as birth defects or injuries.

Most of an orthopedic surgeon's time is spent inside the operating room. But other than that, their duties revolve around diagnosing orthopedic issues, educating patients about their condition, recommending other forms of treatment, and coordinating with other healthcare staff to provide the highest quality of care for all patients.

Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires a pre-med course, a medical degree, an internship, a residency program, and specialty training in orthopedic surgery. It takes quite some time to become an orthopedic surgeon, with many reaching this position in their 30s or 40s.

Nevertheless, the reward, in the end, is worth the decades of studying. On average, orthopedic surgeons make around a whopping $364,000 a year or roughly $175 an hour.