3 answers
Gunnar
Student
Underwood, Minnesota
2
Questions
Updated
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Was it a difficult journey becoming an orthopedic surgeon?
Were the courses challenging and pertinent to your field? Is it everything that you thought it would be? I am thinking of pursuing this career and wanted to know more about the challenges and triumphs of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. #medicine #medicine #healthcare #hospital-and-healthcare #orthopedic #orthopedist #surgery #surgeon #doctor
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3 answers
Rachel Weinheimer
Surgeon
1121
Answers
Amarillo, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
My husband is an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedics is a highly rewarding field but requires you to be at the top of your medical school class with great test scores. The residency (training after medical school) is definitely attainable. You just need to know from the beginning of medical school that you will need A's in most of your classes.
Seth D. Weg CPC, WSET, CBS, MCFE, CFM
Assistant Property Executive Chef
7
Answers
Derwood, Maryland
Updated
Seth D. Weg’s Answer
Hey Gunnar,
Great question. While I’m not in the field myself, I have a cousin who is a retired orthopedic surgeon. From his stories, it is one of the most difficult specialties to break into. My cousin described ortho to me as a somewhat “closed circle“ meaning the programs for orthopedics are usually very small, especially if your going to one of the big medical schools. It it can be extremely lucrative once you’ve paid your dues.
Hope that helps, good luck!
Great question. While I’m not in the field myself, I have a cousin who is a retired orthopedic surgeon. From his stories, it is one of the most difficult specialties to break into. My cousin described ortho to me as a somewhat “closed circle“ meaning the programs for orthopedics are usually very small, especially if your going to one of the big medical schools. It it can be extremely lucrative once you’ve paid your dues.
Hope that helps, good luck!
Richard A.
physician
2153
Answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Yes, orthopedic surgery is very demanding
Physicans spend years of education and training. They have to be able to study and concentrate for hours at a time. Other qualities include coordination for performing procedures, compassion, and attention to detail.
Education: In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training.
Only the top students can expect to enter an orthopedic surgery residency. These last 4 years and are sometimes followed by an additional year or two of fellowship subspecialty training.
Physicans spend years of education and training. They have to be able to study and concentrate for hours at a time. Other qualities include coordination for performing procedures, compassion, and attention to detail.
Education: In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training.
Only the top students can expect to enter an orthopedic surgery residency. These last 4 years and are sometimes followed by an additional year or two of fellowship subspecialty training.