, 2025-05-08 09:18:00
Orthopedic specialists can be generally grouped into one of two categories: Surgical and nonsurgical. Within those categories, there are several subspecialties.
Orthopedic surgeons may specialize in surgery of the hand, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, spine, or in other areas, such as hip and knee replacement. Their training includes a 5-year residency program and often one or more fellowships in subspecialties, such as sports medicine or hand surgery.
Nonsurgical orthopedists often include physiatrists or physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists. The duration of residency programs is usually 3-4 years, with many nonsurgical orthopedists opting for a fellowship in a subspecialty.
Regardless of specialty, the demand for orthopedists is growing. A 2025 report from the Online Journal of Public Health Informatics found that the supply of orthopedic specialists, particularly surgeons, is not keeping up with the demand.
One reason behind the growing need for more orthopedic specialists is an aging population dealing with greater fracture risks and achy joints that need repair or replacement. Another challenge, according to the most recent American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Census, is that the average practicing orthopedist in the United States is around 56 years old and approaching retirement age.
To offer some insight into the field of orthopedics, we turned to orthopedic surgeon Mia S. Hagen, MD, associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle. Hagen is also the associate program director of the school’s Orthopaedic Surgery Residency.
Below are her responses to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) of orthopedic specialists:
At what point did you decide to become an orthopedist and why?
“In medical school, I was initially interested in primary care (pediatrics). However, I realized I loved the cadaveric dissections in anatomy as a first-year student, so I started to look into surgery. My medical school mentor happened to be a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, so I asked to shadow in the operating room and clinic, and I was hooked instantly.”
How physically demanding is the job and does that affect longevity?
“There is a wide breadth to orthopedic surgery. Some subspecialties, such as arthroplasty, can be more physically demanding, while others, such as hand [surgery], are less so. Many orthopedic surgeons practice well past the age of retirement as it is a fulfilling career.”
How much time do you spend in surgery vs the clinic?
“I am an academic surgeon, so part of my week is spent doing dedicated research, administrative, and educational tasks. The other 4 out of 5 days are split between surgery and clinic.”
How competitive are orthopedic residencies, and what can students do to better prepare?
“It is a competitive process, with match rates varying between 60% and 85% depending on the year. In the first few years of medical school, I recommend exploring a career in orthopedics through shadowing and getting involved early in orthopedic research. The summer between MS1 and MS2 is a great time to do this. Get to know residents and faculty in your orthopedics department and find a mentor.”
What is the work-life balance like for an orthopedist?
“Again, there is a wide breadth with varying degrees of flexibility. In residency, expect to be working up to the 80-hour weekly limit. In your career, it can be whatever you want — full-time, part-time, etc. The important thing is being there for your patients and prioritizing care as it is needed.”
