Sage Advice for Residency, Fellowship, and Beyond.

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery Training
• Surgical Education Pathways

Background:

• The journey to becoming an orthopaedic surgeon is exceptionally long and demanding.
• It requires significant personal attributes like dedication, motivation, and passion for the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the extensive educational and training pathway for aspiring orthopaedic surgeons.
• To highlight the challenges and support systems necessary for successful completion of the training.

Main Methods:

• This is a descriptive overview of the orthopaedic surgery training pathway.
• It details the sequential educational stages: undergraduate, medical school, residency, and fellowship.

Main Results:

• The total training duration is 14 years or more, including a potential research year.
• Trainees face numerous challenges and require substantial support from family, friends, mentors, and colleagues.

Conclusions:

• Successful completion of orthopaedic surgery training demands immense perseverance and a strong support network.
• Mentorship and career advice from faculty are vital for guiding trainees to a successful attending surgeon career.