Becoming an orthopedic trauma surgeon requires completing medical school, an orthopedic residency, and trauma surgery training. Board certification and professional organizations can also be beneficial. Surgeons can work in teaching or non-teaching hospitals and may conduct research.
A person who wants to become an orthopedic trauma surgeon will need to complete medical school and an orthopedic residency before taking special training in trauma surgery. The educational process is long and may require change to access the best training programs. Many people also choose to join professional organizations after completing training to become an orthopedic trauma surgeon to gain access to trade publications and other benefits that come with professional certifications.
Going to medical school to become an orthopedic trauma surgeon requires attending an undergraduate institution and completing math and science courses to prepare for a medical education. While in medical school, people will have the opportunity to switch between different medical specialties to get a taste for them. During the orthopedic rotation, it is advisable to do your best to be a competitive candidate for orthopedic surgery programs. If a trauma elective is available, it can be taken to ground yourself in trauma medicine.
After medical school, a student will need to enter a residency in orthopedic surgery. In most medical training programs, people start out with general surgery and refine their skills. Medical students can apply for orthopedic residencies with a trauma component, if available. This will provide opportunities to learn and practice trauma surgery before entering a trauma fellowship after successfully completing training as an orthopedic surgeon. A person planning to become an orthopedic trauma surgeon may spend a long period of time in training.
Before being allowed to practice medicine, people must pass an exam to receive a medical license. Board certification as an orthopedic surgeon is also recommended. Board-certified surgeons can command higher salaries and are more attractive candidates for hospitals that choose from several competing surgeons. If offered in the country in which a surgeon works, additional professional certification in orthopedic trauma or trauma surgery can be beneficial for anyone wishing to become an orthopedic trauma surgeon.
Once someone becomes an orthopedic trauma surgeon, it will be possible to apply to hospitals for a professional position. Some surgeons may remain in teaching hospitals, training the next generation of physicians, while others may seek employment in public or private hospitals without a teaching component. Teaching hospitals offer the opportunity to conduct research, something that may appeal to some surgeons who want to improve surgical techniques and work with experimental implants and procedures as part of their work.
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