Become An Orthopaedic Surgeon
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Working As An Orthopaedic Surgeon
$52,300
Average Salary
What Does An Orthopaedic Surgeon Do At Tenet Healthcare
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How To Become An Orthopaedic Surgeon
Physicians and surgeons have demanding education and training requirements. Almost all physicians complete at least 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and, depending on their specialty, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.
EducationMost applicants to medical school have at least a bachelor's degree, and many have advanced degrees. Although no specific major is required, all students must complete undergraduate work in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English. Students also take courses in the humanities and social sciences. In addition, some students volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain experience in a healthcare setting.
Medical schools are highly competitive. Most applicants must submit transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and letters of recommendation. Schools also consider an applicant’s personality, leadership qualities, and participation in extracurricular activities. Most schools require applicants to interview with members of the admissions committee.
A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 or 7 years.
Students spend most of the first 2 years of medical school in laboratories and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and the laws governing medicine. They also gain practical skills, learning to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses.
During their last 2 years, medical students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics. Through rotations in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, they gain experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses in a variety of areas.
Important QualitiesCommunication skills. Physicians and surgeons need to be excellent communicators. They must be able to communicate effectively with their patients and other healthcare support staff.
Compassion. Physicians and surgeons deal with patients who are sick or injured and may be in extreme pain or distress. Physicians and surgeons must be able to treat patients and their families with compassion and understanding.
Detail oriented. Physicians and surgeons must ensure that patients are receiving appropriate treatment and medications. They must also monitor and record various pieces of information related to patient care.
Dexterity. Physicians and surgeons must be good at working with their hands. They may work with very precise and sometimes sharp tools, and mistakes can have serious consequences.
Leadership skills. Physicians who work in their own practice need to be effective leaders. They must be able to manage a staff of other professionals to run their practice.
Organizational skills. Some physicians own their own practice. Strong organizational skills, including good recordkeeping, are critical in both medical and business settings.
Patience. Physicians and surgeons may work for long periods with patients who need special attention. Persons who fear medical treatment may require more patience.
Physical stamina. Physicians and surgeons should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as lifting or turning disabled patients. Surgeons may spend a great deal of time bending over patients during surgery.
Problem-solving skills. Physicians and surgeons need to evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer the appropriate treatments. They need to do this quickly if a patient’s life is threatened.
TrainingAfter medical school, almost all graduates enter a residency program in their specialty of interest. A residency usually takes place in a hospital and varies in duration, generally lasting from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsAll states require physicians and surgeons to be licensed; requirements vary by state. To qualify for a license, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school and complete residency training in their specialty.
All physicians and surgeons also must pass a standardized national licensure exam. M.D.s take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). D.O.s take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). For specific state information about licensing, contact your state’s medical board.
Certification is not required for physicians and surgeons; however, it may increase their employment opportunities. M.D.s and D.O.s seeking board certification in a specialty may spend up to 7 years in residency training; the length of time varies with the specialty. To become board certified, candidates must complete a residency program and pass a specialty certification exam from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).
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Orthopaedic Surgeon jobs
Orthopaedic Surgeon Typical Career Paths
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Orthopaedic Surgeon 6.0 years
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General Surgeon 4.7 years
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Cardiothoracic Surgeon 4.4 years
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Hospitality House Supervisor 3.0 years
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Operating Room Orderly 2.5 years
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Radiology Equipment Servicer 2.3 years
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Fellow 9.9%
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Resident 7.7%
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Surgeon 6.6%
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Medical Assistant 5.5%
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Volunteer 5.5%
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Flight Surgeon 5.5%
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Orthopedic Surgeon 5.5%
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Instructor 5.5%
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Resident Physician 5.5%
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House Officer 4.4%
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Registered Nurse 4.4%
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Clinical Instructor 4.4%
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Director 3.3%
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Family Practitioner 3.3%
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Staff Nurse 3.3%
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Orthopedic Surgeon 10.6%
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Medical Director 7.6%
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Registered Nurse 7.6%
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Examiner 6.1%
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Volunteer 4.5%
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Staff Nurse 4.5%
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Medical Consultant 4.5%
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Instructor 4.5%
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Unit Secretary 4.5%
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Billing Specialist 4.5%
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Medical Assistant 3.0%
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Physical Therapist 3.0%
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Secretary 3.0%
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Coordinator 3.0%
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Physician Assistant 3.0%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Orthopaedic Surgeon
Top Careers After Orthopaedic Surgeon
Orthopaedic Surgeon Demographics
Gender
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Female
62.3% -
Male
36.4% -
Unknown
1.3%
Ethnicity
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White
72.9% -
Asian
13.9% -
Hispanic or Latino
9.7% -
Unknown
2.8% -
Black or African American
0.7%
Languages Spoken
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Chinese
50.0% -
Spanish
50.0%
Orthopaedic Surgeon
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Orthopaedic Surgeon Education
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San Francisco State University
9.1% -
University of Phoenix
9.1% -
Louisiana State University and A&M College
4.5% -
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
4.5% -
Stanford University
4.5% -
College for Professional Studies
4.5% -
Middlesex County College
4.5% -
Drexel University
4.5% -
University of the Sciences
4.5% -
Marquette University
4.5% -
MedTech College
4.5% -
Northwest Florida State College
4.5% -
State University of New York College at New Paltz
4.5% -
University of Delaware
4.5% -
Montgomery College
4.5% -
Mountain Area Health Education Center - Dental Health Center General Practice Residency 12 Months
4.5% -
Baker College
4.5% -
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
4.5% -
State University of New York Buffalo
4.5% -
University of Chicago
4.5% -
Medicine 23.2%
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Business 8.9%
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Education 5.4%
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Nursing 5.4%
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Medical Technician 3.6%
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Kinesiology 3.6%
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Special Education 3.6%
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Natural Sciences 1.8%
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Psychology 1.8%
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Veterinary Science 1.8%
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Public Health 1.8%
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Nursing Assistants 1.8%
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Biology 1.8%
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Finance 1.8%
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Physician Assistant 1.8%
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Other
33.8% -
Doctorate
20.0% -
Bachelors
18.5% -
Certificate
9.2% -
Masters
7.7% -
Associate
7.7% -
Diploma
3.1%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Orthopaedic Surgeon Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Christie Clinic LLC | Urbana, IL | Jul 30, 2014 | $650,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Trinity Regional Medical Center | Humboldt, IA | Jul 16, 2012 | $625,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Trinity Regional Medical Center | Sac City, IA | Jul 16, 2012 | $625,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Trinity Regional Medical Center | Fort Dodge, IA | Jul 16, 2012 | $625,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Innovis Health, LLC | Fargo, ND | Mar 01, 2010 | $600,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Trinity Regional Medical Center | Fort Dodge, IA | Jan 10, 2015 | $600,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Trinity Regional Medical Center | Fort Dodge, IA | Mar 02, 2015 | $600,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Trinity Regional Medical Center | Fort Dodge, IA | Feb 03, 2015 | $600,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Trinity Regional Medical Center | Webster City, IA | Aug 15, 2012 | $600,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Innovis Health, LLC | Fargo, ND | Mar 01, 2011 | $600,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Trinity Regional Medical Center | Humboldt, IA | Aug 15, 2012 | $600,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Trinity Regional Medical Center | Fort Dodge, IA | Aug 15, 2012 | $600,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center | Lebanon, NH | Dec 20, 2009 | $474,000 |
| Orthopaedic/Spine Surgeon | Rocky Mountain Associates In Orthopedic Medicine | Johnstown, CO | Aug 01, 2014 | $450,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Clallam County Public Hospital District 2 | Port Angeles, WA | Jan 02, 2016 | $440,177 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Clallam County Public Hospital District 2 | Port Angeles, WA | Jan 01, 2016 | $440,177 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Montefiore Medical Center | New York, NY | Sep 16, 2011 | $425,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Montefiore Medical Center | New York, NY | Nov 01, 2013 | $425,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | UPMC Community Medicine, Inc. | McKeesport, PA | Aug 01, 2015 | $400,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Rochester General Hospital | Hornell, NY | May 16, 2014 | $285,000 - $340,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | LCO Group, Pa DBA Florida Musculoskeletal Institute | Leesburg, FL | May 11, 2015 | $270,000 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | UNM, Dept. of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation | Albuquerque, NM | Sep 10, 2012 | $250,000 |
| Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon | Mount Sinai Hospital | NY | Oct 21, 2016 | $239,724 |
| Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon | Mount Sinai Hospital | NY | Jan 10, 2016 | $239,724 |
| Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon | Children's Hospital Corporation | Boston, MA | Feb 01, 2014 | $225,000 |
| Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon | Children's Orthopaedic Surgery Foundation | Boston, MA | Feb 01, 2016 | $225,000 |
| Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon | Children's Orthopaedic Surgery Foundation | Peabody, MA | Jan 02, 2016 | $225,000 |
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Top Skills for An Orthopaedic Surgeon
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Top Orthopaedic Surgeon Skills
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Orthopaedic Surgical Procedures
- Clinical Office
- Direct patient care in an outpatient office setting: Supervised team of 3-10 employees daily.
- Required working knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT Codes for private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid prior authorizations.
- Cleaned and stocked exam rooms, sterilized instruments and equipment.
- Created manuals, interviewed and trained office staff.
- Assisted in front office duties, heavy phone work, insurance approval, and requests for lab work.
Top Orthopaedic Surgeon Employers
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