Orthopedic Surgeon

Duties and Responsibilities:  Orthopedics involves the treatment of musculoskeletal system disorders. Medical doctors who perform operations on the various components of this bodily system are called orthopedic (or orthopaedic) surgeons. They diagnose and treat conditions of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and skin. Patients suffer from a wide range of disorders, injuries, diseases, and infections. Orthopedic surgeons are medical experts regarding the numerous deformities and ailments that can afflict certain parts of the human body. Surgical procedures include mending broken bones, reattaching ligaments and tendons, and replacing hips and joints with prosthetic devices.

Salary: $512,000

Education: While earning a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university, a prospective orthopedic surgeon enrolls in a pre-med program. It consists of more science and math classes, as well as clinical training. On-the-job experience may be obtained by volunteering at a hospital or clinic during the undergraduate years. The next hurdle to clear is graduating from an accredited, four-year medical school. Graduates are required to enrol in an additional five years of residency training, working with surgeons in hospitals and other facilities. Competition to enter the residency program in orthopedic surgery is extremely fierce. Only around 4% of all practicing physicians in the United States are orthopedic surgeons, which translates to about 20,400 active orthopedic surgeons and residents.

Demand: Employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 14 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growing and aging population is expected to drive overall growth in the demand for physician services as consumers seek levels of care that uses the latest technology.

I would not like to be one because it's something that I’m not interested in.