Orthopaedic Surgery Specialty Profile

Orthopaedic surgeons use both operative and conservative measures to treat conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscle. This is a very ‘hands on’ specialty with a lot of time being spent in the operating room. Many orthopaedic operations are very effective in dramatically improving a patient’s lifestyle by relieving pain and enabling ambulation. As such, orthopaedic surgery is an extremely rewarding specialty which demands a strong level of commitment from those pursuing it. An ageing population with increasingly fragile bones who are more and more prone to falls means that orthopaedic surgeons will never be short of work while new techniques and technologies such as minimally invasive surgery are keeping this specialty dynamic and interesting. Orthopaedic surgeons need to be personable, dedicated and confident individuals with excellent manual dexterity who enjoy working with their hands.

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Orthopaedic Surgery Training Program

Training Program

As with all surgical training, orthopaedics is in a time of transition as the SET program is introduced. The orthopaedics training program is rigorous and considered to be amongst the most grueling available. Applicants need to be committed, hard working... more

Application process

This is done via SET. Candidates may apply after completing a minimum of two years of postgraduate work. The training program is five years duration although some residents may enter directly into SET 2. Prior to commencing the training program... more

Length of Training

The SET program is five years duration after which a fellowship year may be completed. Candidates may enter the program at either SET 1 or SET 2.... more

Cost of Training

See Surgery - Cost of Training... more

Availability/Competition for training positions

In 2007 seventeen trainees were appointed to SET 1.... more

Flexibility in Training

See Surgery - Flexibility in Training... more

Orthopaedic Surgery Case Study

Dr. Greg Keene using a heads up display strapped to his head to read the screen data while performing Computer Assisted Knee Replacement

Dr. Greg Keene using a heads up display strapped to his head to read the screen data while performing Computer Assisted Knee Replacement

Name: Dr. Greg Keene

Career stage: Consultant

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Medical Specialty: Orthopaedic Surgery

What are some of the things you enjoy most about being in your area/specialty?

The reward of a very grateful patient to have a knee that no longer hurts or gives way....

What are some of the challenges of being in your specialty?

Learning to deal with all the different personalities and the way that affect patient care...

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Orthopaedic Surgery Workplace

The workplace

Orthopaedic surgeons utilize a variety of treatment modalities including surgery to treat disorder of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Approximately 50% of their time is spent in the operating room. Orthopaedic operations are quite physically demanding and as with... more

The doctor-patient relationship

Many orthopaedic surgeons will tell you this is the most rewarding aspect of their job. Orthopaedic operations such as joint replacements have an immediate and profound effect on a person’s quality of life. Very frequently both doctor and patient will... more

Intellectual content

The stereotype often portrayed in medical school is that orthopaedic surgery is a specialty for athletic, male doctors, often described as ‘jocks’ who have little inclination for academia and prefer the action of the operating room to study. This stereotype,... more

Medical indemnity

Increasing medico-legal problems and rising insurance premiums are concerning. Use our risk category tool to see what risk category is assigned to this specialty.... more

Lifestyle and Practice Options

Orthopaedic surgeons are amongst the hardest working of all doctors. Average hours worked per week in a recent survey was 55 . In Australia approximately 20% of the orthopaedic consultant workforce works more than 65 hours per week. As with... more

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