Orthopedics has developed into a medical specialty focused on the practical study of the human musculoskeletal system. This field was pioneered by notable orthopedic doctors such as Dr. Jean-Pierre David and Dr. Jean-Andre Fenel.
The specialty involves complex surgical procedures to treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system and orthopedic diseases.
Specialization in orthopedics includes many subfields, with the most significant being:
An undergraduate degree in orthopedic medicine aims to prepare students with foundational professional skills in this medical field. The curriculum also includes studies related to other healthcare professions that support medical training in orthopedics with the necessary competencies.
This program is characterized by hands-on learning, as students study in hospitals and gain experience with all types of fractures and trauma. In addition to fracture management studies, bachelor-level orthopedic programs qualify students to earn a bachelor’s degree or a training certificate.
High school graduates who are at least 18 years old can enroll in an undergraduate orthopedic program, provided they pass one of the following English language tests:
Some colleges and universities abroad, such as Grosmont College, also offer training to help students pass the TOEFL test with the desired result. Additional requirements may vary by university and country.
For postgraduate study, following the academic programs of Harvard University, students explore topics including:
To enroll in a postgraduate program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related medical field and pass an English language test such as the TOEFL (iBT) with a total score of 79 or 80, or the IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5. Preferably, a GPA score of 3 is also required.
The career prospects for an orthopedist are diverse and expanding. Orthopedists can work in various medical settings, including hospitals, health centers, and private clinics.
According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of orthopedic surgeons and doctors working in urban areas in the United States was projected to grow by 22% between 2008 and 2018. These are areas where there is a significant shortage of orthopedic doctors, reflecting the high demand for professionals in this field in developed countries.
Statistics show that the annual salary for orthopedists ranges between $99,897 and $511,811 per year. This is a very high annual salary compared to the yearly earnings of doctors in this specialty in the Middle East. The data also indicate that work in private clinics offers notably higher salaries compared to work in hospitals and health centers.
