ORTHOPEDICS: A MEDICAL SPECIALTY

Orthopedics is the practice of medicine that cares for and treats problems with bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. An orthopedic doctor is an MD with special training in orthopedics. An orthopedic doctor may diagnosis and treat any orthopedic problem, with or without surgery.

To become a licensed medical doctor or MD requires:

four years of college with many classes in the sciences
four years of medical school
one year of internship, residency or fellowship and
passing the United States Medical Licensure exam

When a doctor has been licensed as a medical doctor, a residency can be done in a specialty. For orthopedics this is usually five years. After the residency is done, the American Board of Medical Specialties can certify the doctor in orthopedics. Written and oral exams must be passed along with a review of the doctor's work.

State licensing varies from state to state. A doctor board certified in orthopedics, may treat patients with orthopedic problems in any state in which they are licensed.

Sometimes orthopedic doctors do more training in a special area. This could be hand surgery, back surgery, sports medicine, or several other areas.

Other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists or occupational therapists, may work closely with orthopedic doctors. They assist in the care and treatment of people with orthopedic problems.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File BONE3441.RF2 VRS# 7628 Data Version 7.0