Responsibilities of an Orthopedic Surgeon
An orthopedic surgeon has to perform various vital responsibilities and duties. Orthopedic surgeons need to provide counseling to patients and explain them their condition and how to tackle with it with a positive attitude. They also need to write prescriptions and inform the patients about dosage. They also update themselves with the latest advancement in their field and hence they read research journals and attend seminars and conferences.
The administration of all physical exams is also done by them, and then patient consultation with other physicians for their primary care is also done by an orthopedic surgeon. He or she has the duty for the development of strategies and monitoring of a patient's treatment and thereby supervise the progress of a patient. All surgeries are performed by an orthopedic surgeon but non-surgical therapies are also done by him or her. Ensuring that all the facilities are in compliance with the state, local and also the federal law and taking care of all the physician assistants' work is done by an orthopedic surgeon.
Skills needed to be an Orthopedic Surgeon
Candidates interested in having a successful orthopedic surgeon's career must have good communication and interpersonal skills. This is because as an orthopedic surgeon one is required to have interaction with patients, colleagues and all the other staff hailing from various walks of life. Communicating and also educating others on various vital issues and topics are done by an orthopedic surgeon. As an orthopedic surgeon, one must have the ability to make vital decisions on his or her own, without any supervision. And the most important requirement that an aspiring candidate must possess is the passion in this field and work.
Educational Requirements
To be an orthopedic surgeon, candidates must have a medical degree, especially a post graduate degree in orthopedic surgery. All of the surgeons must have certification from the board and also possess a license for practicing medicine. Orthopedic surgeons need to complete undergraduate school, medical school, an internship, a residency, a fellowship and exams that can prove their competency.
The average annual salary for most of the orthopedic surgeons is around $405,448 and job opportunities in this field are expected to increase by 2016 by about 14%. Orthopedic surgeons must possess self-motivation and also possess strong mental stamina, so as to be able to handle all of the mental stress and pressure of long working hours.
Medical clinics, surgery centers, hospitals and concert venues employ most of the orthopedic surgeons. Most of them are medical cooperatives' members. At least 4% of all the physicians specialize in orthopedic surgery. 50% of them practice orthopedics, whereas 11% specialize in spinal surgery, 10% in sports medicines and the rest practice subspecialties. This field would never diminish in opportunity and would grow because the population is occupied by the elderly who suffer from musculoskeletal situations. Employment rate is expected to grow in fast rate by 2014 and also with the development of many hospitals and clinics the opportunities and advantages are vast for all aspiring orthopedic surgeons.