1 ) The career of my choice is an Orthopedic Surgeon focusing on Sports Medicine specializing in the hand upper extremity.
2) To be an orthopedic surgeon extensive education is needed. After one finishes high school, it would behoove one to get into the best university they can (preferably a school with a strong pre-med program/ or science program). During your time spent earning your undergraduate degree, you should major in bio, chem, or pre-med(if your school has it). According to Cornell University, the prerequisites for medical school are,
“Biology (with lab) 8 semester credit hours
Inorganic Chemistry (with lab) 8 semester credit hours
Organic Chemistry (with lab) 8 semester credit hours
General or Intro Physics (with lab) 8 semester credit hours
English Composition 6 semester credit hours
Mathematics (required by some schools; recommended by others)
Advanced Biology (recommended by most)
After you graduate with your undergraduate degree, you would apply to medical school. Medical school lasts about four years. During this time, one will take more science classes as related to the medical field (e.g., anatomy and biochemistry). They also focus in on what type of doctor they want to be. Further, they learn the etiquette of dealing with patients and do rotations in hospitals that are affiliated with their school. Then, they have earned a medical degree (however they aren’t a doctor yet)
3) To be an orthopedic surgeon you do not need research.
4) After completing your medical degree, you would go to the hospital attached to your med school or a teaching hospital and do five years of residency. The first two years of residency would consist of working with all types of ailments even things, not in your specialty. While the second two years would include of general surgery with the last portion focusing specifically on orthopedics.
5) There are 151 universities in the United States that offer medical degrees. However, the examples I used are from Cornell University and John Hopkins medical school.
6) As listed above, I have listed Cornell Universities recommended curriculum for undergraduates going into Pre-med/ Below is the curriculum overview of John Hopkins Medical School.
“School begins with an Intersession on Health Care Disparities. Intersession weeks occur every few months throughout the entire curriculum, providing short breaks from system-based class work and opportunities to develop advanced clinical skills and participate in simulations. Other Intersession weeks cover topics such as Global Health, Pain Care, Substance Abuse, Patient Safety and End-of-Life Care.
Foundational Block courses are Human Anatomy, Science Foundations, Clinical Foundations and Public Health Foundations.
The Genes to Society curriculum spans Years 1 and 2, surrounding the ideas of genetics, biology, and physiology and the impact that social, community and environmental factors have on the individual.
Longitudinal Clerkships (LCs) in Year 1 and Year 2, give the student direct patient access in an outpatient or community setting.
Scholarly Concentrations (SCs) are chosen in Year 1 under the supervision of faculty mentors.
March of Year 2 is reserved for the Transition to the Wards, after which clinical training begins in earnest.
Clerkships span Years 3 and 4, both core and elective.
Translational Intersessions in the clinical years will be one-week opportunities between clerkships to revisit essential science topics related to the clerkships, which model modern scientific inquiry of bench-to-bedside medicine
The final course in the curriculum is TRIPLE (Transition to Residency and Internship/Preparation for Life), covering practical topics in preparation for residency and beyond including teamwork skills, simulations and advanced communication skills, as well as leadership training and career guidance and discussions surrounding emotional health and financial management”
7)
If orthopedic surgeons works in private practice, they would consult with patients then discuss the best options for dealing with their issue. For example, if a patient who is an athlete, tore their ACL, the Orthopedic surgeon would go over their options. One option would be to undergo surgery which would allow the athlete to return to their sport with the same physical condition they were in before the injury. However, if the athlete did not want to undergo surgery (assuming their ACL tear is not extremely bad) the orthopedic surgeon would suggest that may be able to endure intensive physical therapy rather than, having an operation performed on them.Continuing with the private practice route, Orthopedic surgeons working in private practice have to manage their business. They have direct control over the number of patients they want to see and have to fill their schedule. Further, they have to create a good reputation for themselves so that they can create a steady base of income. Most importantly though, would be that orthopedic surgeons would have to perform surgeries relating to the musculoskeletal system. Fourth orthopedic surgeons (if necessary) would have to provide pain medication for after the surgery. Lastly, orthopedic surgeons would have to provide services to the best of the knowledge with the resources available with proper etiquette.
8) Image one: Dr. Eugene Roh, orthopedic surgeon, serves at 2018 Winter Olympics. This example showcases travel and unique experiences that can be fulfilled with this career. It also shows how a love for sports can be translated into a job.
Image two: UCLA Doctor earns fellowship by gaining hands-on experience with athletes on the field. This again shows another unique way which love of sports can be translated into a career though, and this is more domestic.
9)
The entry-level salary is $336,883 per year.
It is not applicable for a surgeon to have varying education level. Doctors all have to have a similar medical degree, though the variance of board certifications can affect their salary. For example, my dermatologist Dr. Crispin is certified for Mohs Micrographic (which is the treatment for skin cancer) thus, she can bill higher than say just a doctor who, only performs Mohs Micrographic surgery that is not board certified.
10)
With my search, in the Monterey area one job posted for an orthopedic surgeon. Nationally there are 6,255 jobs posted for orthopedic surgeons.
11)
A good candidate for an Orthopedic surgeon would be someone who can focus on a task for long periods of time, make decisions under pressure, have a strong sense of perseverance, and regulate their emotions well. They would have to be able not to let emotions sway them and inhibit their ability to do their job. Further, they should be comfortable and competent with dealing with patients, collaborating with other doctors, dealing with blood and other bodily fluids and tissues, as well as being empathic towards the patient and hearing and understand their needs.
12)
Orthopedic surgeons have a very lasting and profound effect on the quality of life for all. Their research helps not only athletes but those with chronic pain live a healthier a more comfortable lifestyle, thus making them happier. For example, an older woman having constant hip pain, who enjoys outdoor hikes with her grandchildren would not be able to hike as much with her hip pain. However, with consulting and being operated on by an orthopedic surgeon, who suggests she replaces her hip, would allow her to go back to the lifestyle she is used to while which in turn would make her happier. Research and procedures also by orthopedic surgeons will enable the development and technology of athletics to increase. With the new knowledge, athletes will be more informed on how to prevent injury and recover quicker.
13)
As with any surgery, there is always ethical dilemmas in question. However, with the spec
ific job which I have chosen: the main issue is hearing what your client wants and selecting the decision which is best for them (rather than the one you believe is best).