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Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Orthopaedic Surgery

Nature of the work

An orthopaedic surgeon is trained in the preservation, investigation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine, and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means.

Orthopaedic surgeons can receive training in the following subspecialties:

  • Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedics
  • Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics
  • Hand Surgery
  • Musculoskeletal Oncology
  • Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
  • Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine
  • Orthopaedic Trauma
  • Pediatric Orthopaedics

Training/residency information

Residency in orthopaedic surgery consists of one year of general surgery training followed by four years of orthopaedic surgery training. Two years in clinical practice following residency is required before final certification. One year of additional training is required to practice in one of the subspecialty areas.

Workforce and salary information

According to a study published in the March, 1998 issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, "there is a surplus of orthopaedic surgeons today and that current training levels will create an even larger surplus in 2010." The annual salary for orthopaedic surgeons ranges from $296,200 to $488,966.

For more information

Source: The American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Lee, Paul P., Jackson, Catherine A., Relles, Daniel A. "Demand-Based Assessment of Workforce Requirements for Orthopaedic Services" Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 1998 80: 313-26 and the "2006 Physician Compensation Survey," Modern Healthcare. July 17, 2006. (Based on surveys conducted by American Medical Group Association; Cejka Search; Daniel Stern & Associates; Delta Physician Placement; Hay Group; Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service; Jackson & Coker; Martin, Fletcher & Associates; MD Network; Medical Group Management Association; Medicus Partners; Merritt, Hawkins & Associates; Pcific Cos.; Pinnacle Helaht Group; and Sullivan, Cotter & Associates.)

  

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