| Overview of the
Specialty of Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery is the
medical and surgical specialty that includes the study and
prevention of musculoskeletal diseases, disorders and injuries
and their treatment by medical, surgical and physical methods.
Training Requirements for
Orthopaedic Surgery
Training consists of a minimum of
5 years of postgraduate education. There are a small number of
orthopaedic residency programs offering four years of graduate
medical education. Entry into these programs must be preceded by
a year of education in an ACGME-accredited residency in a
general medical specialty. The majority of orthopaedic surgery
training programs offer five full years of graduate medical
education. After July 1, 2000 all accredited orthopaedic
residencies will offer five years of graduate medical education.
There are 152 orthopaedic residency programs, accredited by the
ACGME for 2004/2005, offering slightly over 600
categorical/advanced positions available to U.S. seniors.
Matching Program Information
and Match Statistics for Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic surgery residency
training programs participate in the National Resident Matching
Program (NRMP).
Match results through the NRMP and competitiveness information
for orthopaedic surgery residency training positions are
summarized on the right.
Subspecialty/Fellowship
Training in Orthopaedic Surgery
Subspecialty/fellowship training
following completion of an orthopaedic surgery residency program
is available in adult reconstructive orthopaedics, foot and
ankle orthopaedics, hand surgery, musculoskeletal oncology,
orthopaedic sports medicine, orthopaedic surgery of the spine,
orthopaedic trauma and pediatric orthopaedics. Detailed
information about the scope of these subspecialty training
programs, number of positions available and length of training
is available in the Graduate Medical Education Directory (FREIDA).
Career Information
FREIDA physcian workforce
information for each specialty includes statistical information
on the number of positions/programs for residency training,
resident workhours, resident work environment and compensation,
employment status upon completion of program and work
environment for those entering practice in each specialty.
Access FREIDA
For summary statistics and physician workforce information,
click on "Specialty Statistics." |
