Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic (or traditionally, orthopaedic) surgeons seek to restore normal function to a deformed, diseased, or injured part of the musculoskeletal system utilizing medical, surgical, and physical rehabilitation methods.
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Key Facts
Core Focus: Surgical treatment of musculoskeletal system
Number of Physicians: Large (~30,000)
Training Length: 5 years residency + optional fellowship
Subspecialties: Sports medicine, spine, hand surgery
Job Progression: Private practice, group clinics, sports team roles
Gender Distribution: 7% female, 93% male
Job Outlook: Growing
Work Environment: Hospitals, orthopedic clinics, surgical centers
Patient Relationship: Surgical, follow-up for recovery and rehab
Schedule: Long hours, frequent surgeries, on-call
Common Procedures: Joint replacement, fracture repair, arthroscopy
Residency Length: 5 years
Fellowship Required: No
Average Annual Income: ~$564,000 - $680,000
Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours/week
Burnout Percentage: 57%
Match Competitiveness: High
Common Work Settings: Hospitals, orthopedic clinics, surgical centers
❤️ Values and Personality Comparison
Orthopedic Surgery Top Values
- Creativity
- Decision making
- Independence
- Taking care of people
Orthopedic Surgery Do Not Value
- Achievement
- Feedback from others
- Good income
- Prestige
- Security
- Sufficient time off
🧠 Orthopedic Surgery Personality Traits
- Become bored with repetitive activity
- Be 'doers' rather than talkers
- Be energized by people
- Enjoy taking care of people
- Need to see tangible results of their efforts quickly
- Act decisively
- Be adventurous / like challenges
- Have manual dexterity
- Value independence highly
- Be willing to work long hours
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