Orthopedic Medicine
All Orthopedic Medicine information on Ewtrf.org
Orthopedic Doctors
Orthopedic medicine is a field into which there are many different routes. It is possible to train as an orthopedic surgeon in order to focus on the surgical treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, but there are also a wide range of non-surgical interventions that can be used.
Non-surgical orthopedic medicine can be practiced by a range of different doctors and other medical professionals, such as physiotherapists, nurses, physicians' assistants and orthopedic technicians. Doctors who wish to focus on non-surgical orthopedics may have trained as orthopedic surgeons, but they may also have entered the field from one of the other, related specialties. There is no specific specialty training for non-surgical orthopedic medicine, but there are a number of residencies that can prepare doctors for a career in this field.
Rehabilitation medicine, which is sometimes also known as physical and rehabilitation medicine, is a specialty that involves the treatment of patients who have physical disabilities. These disabilities may arise from trauma, degenerative diseases or other disorders, and they can often affect the musculoskeletal system, which is the focus of orthopedics. Physicians working in this specialty try to restore the maximum strength, mobility and physical ability to their patients. They can also be involved with the psychological, vocational and social rehabilitation of patients and with pain management. They may choose to undergo sub-specialty training in order to focus on a particular aspect of rehabilitation, such as sports medicine or pediatric rehabilitation. Training usually involves a four year residency including a year of general clinical training, which may be followed by a year of sub-specialty training.
Internal medicine is another route into orthopedic medicine for doctors. Doctors who work in internal medicine can focus on a number of different areas, one of which is the joints. After a residency of three years, doctors may choose to undergo sub-specialty training for between one and three years in order to focus on one particular aspect of the field. Sports medicine and rheumatology are the subspecialties that relate most closely to orthopedic medicine.
Another general specialty in medicine that doctors can choose if they wish to work in orthopedic medicine is family medicine. After a three year family medicine residency, doctors can work with a wide range of conditions. They may also undergo a further year of sub-specialty training in order to focus on an area that will lead them into orthopedic medicine, such as geriatric medicine or sports medicine, which often involve musculoskeletal diseases and injuries.
Training in emergency medicine can also equip physicians with the skills they need to work in orthopedic medicine. An emergency medicine residency usually takes three years, after which it is possible to train for another year or two in a particular sub-specialty. Emergency medicine often involves working with injuries to the musculoskeletal system. One of the sub-specialties in this field, which is of particular relevance to orthopedic medicine is sports medicine.
As well as choosing a specialty and subspecialty that will enable them to work in orthopedic medicine, physicians who wish to work in this field may also train specifically in orthopedic medicine by taking courses and continuing professional development in the field. It is not necessary to be a physician in order to work in orthopedic medicine since nurses, physicians' assistants and physical therapists also play an important role in this field. However, physicians are also needed in orthopedic medicine. Ewtrf.org can provide more information about orthopedic medicine, as well as the surgical form of orthopedics, as well as more advice about careers in this field.