Orthopaedic Surgeon is also known as Orthopaedist is a medical practitioner specialized in diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal problems of the human body be it Fractures, dislocations, torn ligaments, bursitis and sprains or any other. Besides these general diseases, Orthopaedic Surgeon is also apt and responsible for treating diseases such as degenerative joint diseases, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal problems and bone tumours etc. Abnormal growth and congenital problems is another area of Orthopaedist’s specialization.
Orthopaedic Surgeons are able to treat fractured and broken bones and other sports injuries of athletes using both surgical and non-surgical techniques and enable them to get back on the playing field. They can also replace entire joints worn out from a lifetime of strenuous use.
They provide medical care by performing physical exams, designing treatment and therapeutic plans, and keeping track of patients for any further course of action required speeding up the recovery. Performing back and spinal surgeries and joint replacement surgery is another area of their jurisdiction.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Eligibility
Aspiring Orthopaedic Surgeon must possess a 5½ years MBBS degree followed by 2- 3 years MS (Orthopaedics)
Orthopaedic Surgeon Required Skills
- Orthopaedic Surgeons should be physically and mentally fit for spending long and strenuous hours is operation theatres.
- They should also possess excellent decision-making abilities, knowledge of the latest medical developments, perfect eye and precision to do his job and above all genuine care and concern for all his patients.
- They must be able to understand current medical technologies, medical ethics, pharmacology and physiology.
- They must also possess the ability to work long hours and make solid decisions under pressure.
How to become an Orthopaedic Surgeon?
Aspiring candidates have to follow the below-given steps to become an Orthopaedic Surgeon-
Step 1
Science (with Medical Stream) students who have appeared or are appearing in +2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as main subjects) have to appear in an Medical Entrance Tests conducted by the various state and Independent bodies like PMT, taken by Punjab Government and CBSE-PMT (Pre Medical Test) taken by the Central board to admit candidates in various medical institutions affiliated with it.
The separate test is conducted by some of the highly rated medical institutions like AIIMS, PGI, GMCH, AFMC Pune etc. These exams are generally held in the month of May-June.
Step 2
After completing this four and half years of MBBS degree course and one year and six months compulsory training one has to go MS (Ortho) – a specialization - must work as an Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Aspiring MBBS doctors have to appear in Post Graduate Medical Entrance Tests like All India Post Graduate Medical/Dental Entrance Exam and Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research Entrance Exam.
However, some institutes also provide admission on the basis of marks obtained in MBBS course and work experience of the aspiring candidates.
Step 3
After the completion of two to three years of MS (Ortho) course and getting the requisite registration from Medical Council of India, the young Orthopaedist can get jobs in reputed Government Hospitals like AIIMS and PGI, Corporate Hospitals like Fortis, Apollo. Orthopaedist can also open their own Clinic and provide services to the patients.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Job Description
Orthopaedic Surgeon’s job description includes locating a musculoskeletal problem in the body and making a plan to cope with it and work to eliminate injuries and diseases. Orthopaedic Surgeons treat most muscle and skeletal problems including arthritis, congenital deformities, or trauma injuries.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Career Prospects
There are ample job opportunities as they can get employment in the surgery centres of big hospitals like AIIMS, FORTIS and PGI. Increasing professionalism in sports has also widened the scope for Orthopaedic Surgeon as they can get good employment opportunities with various sports authorities for taking care of players associated with them. They can also get a job in rehabilitation centres established by sports and defence organization. More enterprising Orthopaedic Surgeons can also opt for their own Ortho Clinic. Some surgeons may also become teachers in different medical schools and colleges and teach their students basic techniques and treatments.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Salary
Salary of Orthopaedic Surgeon largely depends upon the reputation and level of the Hospital he is working in, especially at the starting level. However, those at the senior level may get salary package around Rs.15 lakhs to Rs.20 lakhs per annum. Salary of Orthopaedic Surgeon working in Government Hospitals is little less but suitably compensated by free accommodation, allowances and perks. As far as the income of Orthopaedic Surgeon operating their own is concerned, we can say that there is no upper limit to their remuneration.
