We all know that it takes “a long time” to become a practicing orthopedic surgeon, but how long? Many people shy away from undertaking the profession due to the length of time it takes to achieve the goal. Here is what it takes to become an orthopedic surgeon. The educational journey for an aspiring orthopedic surgeon starts with undergraduate preparation followed by medical school, a specialized residency, as well as an optional fellowship.Undergraduate studies in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics are essential for entrance into medical school. Other courses required for admission into medical school may include humanities, social studies, and English. It is not always mandatory to earn an undergraduate degree to apply to medical school, but the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most medical school applicants have at least bachelor’s degrees. Along with the mandatory undergraduate coursework, you have to score well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Some...
