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Sonia
Student
Allen, Texas
1
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What are the cons of being an orthopedic surgeon? What difficulties might one encounter on their journey to becoming one?
8th Grader looking into career for future..
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5 answers
Kent Falkner
23
Answers
Updated
Kent’s Answer
Becoming and being an orthopedic surgeon can be highly rewarding, but it comes with significant challenges and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the key cons and difficulties:
1. Long and Demanding Training: • 4 years of undergraduate studies • 4 years of medical school • 5 years of orthopedic surgery residency • Optional 1–2 years of fellowship for specialization • Total: 13–15 years of training
2. High Physical Demands: • Long hours in the operating room, sometimes standing for 6–8 hours straight • Orthopedic surgery often involves physically intense procedures (e.g., using saws, drills, and force to manipulate bones)
3. Work-Life Imbalance: • Irregular hours, overnight calls, and emergencies (especially in trauma surgery) • Sacrifices in personal and family life are common
4. Emotional and Mental Strain: • Dealing with complex cases and critical injuries • Facing litigation risk due to high-stakes procedures • Pressure to produce successful outcomes
Competitive Field: • Orthopedic surgery is one of the most competitive specialties • Requires high Step scores (now pass/fail Step 1 means Step 2 CK is critical), research experience, and top clinical performance
Kent recommends the following next steps:
Thank you!
Sonia
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
It's wonderful that you're considering different career paths at your age! Pursuing a career as an orthopedic surgeon is both fulfilling and challenging. Here's a positive look at some of the hurdles you might encounter on this exciting journey:
**Challenges of Being an Orthopedic Surgeon:**
**Extensive Education and Training**
After high school, you'll embark on a journey that includes:
- 4 years of college
- 4 years of medical school
- 5+ years of residency in orthopedic surgery
This means dedicating 10-12+ years to learning and growing before you practice independently. Think of it as an investment in your future.
**High Responsibility and Stress**
Orthopedic surgeons play a vital role in treating serious injuries and performing complex surgeries. While this can be stressful, it also means you have the power to make a real difference in people's lives.
**Demanding Work Hours**
Surgeons often work evenings and weekends and may be on call for emergencies. This can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to learn time management and balance.
**Physical and Emotional Demands**
Surgeries require stamina and precision, and dealing with patients' emotions can be tough. However, these challenges can lead to personal growth and resilience.
**Financial Considerations**
Medical education can be costly, but it's an investment in a rewarding career that can offer financial stability in the long run.
**Competitive Field**
Entering orthopedic surgery residency programs is competitive, requiring strong academic and extracurricular achievements. This competition can motivate you to strive for excellence.
**Difficulties on the Journey:**
- **Academic Rigor:** Focus on excelling in science subjects in high school and college.
- **Medical School Admissions:** Prepare for entrance exams like the MCAT and interviews.
- **Residency Training:** Embrace the demanding shifts and responsibilities.
- **Continuous Learning:** Stay updated as medicine evolves, which keeps the field exciting and fresh.
**Why Pursue It?**
Despite the challenges, orthopedic surgery is incredibly rewarding. You'll help people regain mobility, reduce pain, and enhance their quality of life. If you enjoy science, problem-solving, and caring for others, this path could be perfect for you.
**Tips for You Now:**
- Focus on your science and math classes.
- Volunteer or join healthcare-related programs.
- Talk to doctors or shadow them to gain insights.
- Stay curious and keep exploring different careers.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to making a difference in the world!
**Challenges of Being an Orthopedic Surgeon:**
**Extensive Education and Training**
After high school, you'll embark on a journey that includes:
- 4 years of college
- 4 years of medical school
- 5+ years of residency in orthopedic surgery
This means dedicating 10-12+ years to learning and growing before you practice independently. Think of it as an investment in your future.
**High Responsibility and Stress**
Orthopedic surgeons play a vital role in treating serious injuries and performing complex surgeries. While this can be stressful, it also means you have the power to make a real difference in people's lives.
**Demanding Work Hours**
Surgeons often work evenings and weekends and may be on call for emergencies. This can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to learn time management and balance.
**Physical and Emotional Demands**
Surgeries require stamina and precision, and dealing with patients' emotions can be tough. However, these challenges can lead to personal growth and resilience.
**Financial Considerations**
Medical education can be costly, but it's an investment in a rewarding career that can offer financial stability in the long run.
**Competitive Field**
Entering orthopedic surgery residency programs is competitive, requiring strong academic and extracurricular achievements. This competition can motivate you to strive for excellence.
**Difficulties on the Journey:**
- **Academic Rigor:** Focus on excelling in science subjects in high school and college.
- **Medical School Admissions:** Prepare for entrance exams like the MCAT and interviews.
- **Residency Training:** Embrace the demanding shifts and responsibilities.
- **Continuous Learning:** Stay updated as medicine evolves, which keeps the field exciting and fresh.
**Why Pursue It?**
Despite the challenges, orthopedic surgery is incredibly rewarding. You'll help people regain mobility, reduce pain, and enhance their quality of life. If you enjoy science, problem-solving, and caring for others, this path could be perfect for you.
**Tips for You Now:**
- Focus on your science and math classes.
- Volunteer or join healthcare-related programs.
- Talk to doctors or shadow them to gain insights.
- Stay curious and keep exploring different careers.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to making a difference in the world!
Rithika J
6
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Rithika’s Answer
Being an orthopedic surgeon is a rewarding career, but it comes with challenges. Here are some cons and difficulties you might face on the journey:
Long Education and Training – Becoming an orthopedic surgeon takes about 13–15 years after high school (college, medical school, and residency).
High Stress Levels – The job involves making critical decisions that affect people's health, which can be stressful.
Physically Demanding – Surgeries can be long and require stamina, precision, and steady hands.
Expensive Education – Medical school can be very costly, and many students take on debt.
Long Education and Training – Becoming an orthopedic surgeon takes about 13–15 years after high school (college, medical school, and residency).
High Stress Levels – The job involves making critical decisions that affect people's health, which can be stressful.
Physically Demanding – Surgeries can be long and require stamina, precision, and steady hands.
Expensive Education – Medical school can be very costly, and many students take on debt.
Thanks for the help.
Sonia
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hey Sonia,
Being an orthopedic surgeon definitely has its challenges. First off, the path to becoming one is really long and intense. You’re looking at about 13 to 15 years of education and training after high school. That includes four years of undergrad, four years of medical school, a five-year residency, and sometimes an extra year or two if you specialize further. It’s a huge commitment, both in terms of time and energy.
The workload itself can be overwhelming. Orthopedic surgeons often work long and unpredictable hours, especially when they’re on call. Surgeries can last several hours, and some procedures are physically demanding, like manipulating heavy limbs or working in awkward positions. It’s not uncommon to feel both mentally and physically drained after a long day. Plus, there’s the pressure of making critical decisions during surgery that could significantly impact a patient’s life, which can add a lot of stress.
Financially, it’s also a tough journey. Medical school alone can cost a small fortune, and many orthopedic surgeons start their careers with massive student debt. Even once you’re working, the stress doesn’t really let up. There’s always the risk of being sued if something goes wrong during surgery or if a patient isn’t happy with the outcome. Dealing with lawsuits or even just the threat of them can be pretty nerve-wracking.
Then there’s the issue of burnout. The combination of long hours, high stress, and the physical demands of the job can take a toll. Finding a good work-life balance is hard, especially during residency and the early years of practice. It’s not uncommon to miss family events or struggle to keep up with personal relationships because your job demands so much.
Getting to that point isn’t easy, either. Medical school itself is super competitive, and getting into an orthopedic residency is even harder. You have to maintain excellent grades, ace the MCAT, and build a strong resume with research and clinical experience. Even after you’ve made it through all the training, you still have to pass rigorous board exams to get certified.
And once you’re finally a practicing surgeon, building a solid reputation and patient base takes time. You might spend years proving yourself before you feel established in the field. Despite all this, many find it worth it because they genuinely love helping patients recover from injuries or improve their quality of life.
Being an orthopedic surgeon definitely has its challenges. First off, the path to becoming one is really long and intense. You’re looking at about 13 to 15 years of education and training after high school. That includes four years of undergrad, four years of medical school, a five-year residency, and sometimes an extra year or two if you specialize further. It’s a huge commitment, both in terms of time and energy.
The workload itself can be overwhelming. Orthopedic surgeons often work long and unpredictable hours, especially when they’re on call. Surgeries can last several hours, and some procedures are physically demanding, like manipulating heavy limbs or working in awkward positions. It’s not uncommon to feel both mentally and physically drained after a long day. Plus, there’s the pressure of making critical decisions during surgery that could significantly impact a patient’s life, which can add a lot of stress.
Financially, it’s also a tough journey. Medical school alone can cost a small fortune, and many orthopedic surgeons start their careers with massive student debt. Even once you’re working, the stress doesn’t really let up. There’s always the risk of being sued if something goes wrong during surgery or if a patient isn’t happy with the outcome. Dealing with lawsuits or even just the threat of them can be pretty nerve-wracking.
Then there’s the issue of burnout. The combination of long hours, high stress, and the physical demands of the job can take a toll. Finding a good work-life balance is hard, especially during residency and the early years of practice. It’s not uncommon to miss family events or struggle to keep up with personal relationships because your job demands so much.
Getting to that point isn’t easy, either. Medical school itself is super competitive, and getting into an orthopedic residency is even harder. You have to maintain excellent grades, ace the MCAT, and build a strong resume with research and clinical experience. Even after you’ve made it through all the training, you still have to pass rigorous board exams to get certified.
And once you’re finally a practicing surgeon, building a solid reputation and patient base takes time. You might spend years proving yourself before you feel established in the field. Despite all this, many find it worth it because they genuinely love helping patients recover from injuries or improve their quality of life.
Tanaka Ndoro
7
Answers
Updated
Tanaka’s Answer
1. Becoming an Orthopedic surgeon requires long time in education and training in term of academic learning, residency and fellowship training.
2. There's higher stress levels because the work is emotionally demanding.
3. There's also higher expectations from the patients .
4. Long working hours and on-call shift.
2. There's higher stress levels because the work is emotionally demanding.
3. There's also higher expectations from the patients .
4. Long working hours and on-call shift.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Sonia