Orthopedic Surgeon Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the orthopedic surgeon job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements that you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the orthopedic surgeon role by most recruiters/employers.

If you are searching for the orthopedic surgeon job description to improve your knowledge of the duties, tasks, and responsibilities associated with the role, this post is designed to provide you the information.

This article will also help individuals seeking the orthopedic surgeon job to learn about the major requirements commonly demanded by recruiters.

Please, read on:

What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?

Orthopedic surgeons are medical professionals responsible for diagnosing and treating bone/muscle diseases or injuries.

The orthopedic surgeon job description includes giving medical attention to patients with musculoskeletal issues.

In carrying out their duties, orthopedic surgeons diagnose and examine bone deformities or fracture to determine the best course of treatment.

They use electromedical equipment such as arthroscope, X-ray, and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine to locate bone fissure or defect.

They also perform blood tests to check for rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative bone condition.

Orthopedic surgeons are the final port of call for bone-related injuries/issues such as torn ligaments, ruptured discs, osteoporosis, sciatica, and bone tumor to mention but a few.

They liaise with nurses, physicians, and other hospital personnel to administer proper treatment to patients.

Their role also includes studying the medical history of patients to identify the pattern to a disorder.

Usually, orthopedic surgeons administer invasive and non-invasive treatment to address musculoskeletal problems.

They perform surgeries as part of invasive procedure to reattach tendons, ligaments, and bones.

They also prescribe medications and supplements to reduce pain and strength joints.

As part of their responsibilities, orthopedic surgeons create post-surgery care plans and recommend lifestyle changes necessary for quick recuperation.

They monitor the recovery process of patients to determine the need for changes in treatment plan.

The orthopedic surgeon work description also entails assigning tasks to nurses and other healthcare staff.

Orthopedic surgeons in performing their duties use corrective devices such as splints, braces or cast to support bones or to immobilize a fracture.

Recommending exercises or sporting activities to enhance patients’ healing process is also part of the orthopedic surgeon description.

They also contact the family of patients to educate them on ways to assist a loved one through recovery.

In fulfilling their role, orthopedic surgeons ensure compliance with established healthcare protocols.

They may refer patients to other healthcare professionals such as physiologists and psychiatrics for additional medical care.

The orthopedic surgeon job requires a doctoral degree in medicine. Several years of residency and specialty fellowship are also necessary.

To succeed on the job, the qualities you will need include physical dexterity, compassion, and problem-solving skills.

Orthopedic Surgeon Job Description Sample/Example/Template

Orthopedic surgeons perform various functions in helping patients with musculoskeletal problem get well.

Here is an example of the job description, including the common tasks, duties, and responsibilities usually performed by orthopedic surgeons:

• Interview patients to gather information on their medical history and allergies
• Diagnose patients using specialized equipment to identify bone fracture or defect
• Perform surgical procedures to realign fractured bones/ligaments or to replace joint/hip bones
• Prescribe medications and supplements to ease the pain of a condition and strengthen joints
• Recommend special diet, hygiene, and exercises necessary to enhance a healing process
• Provide surgical assistance and consultation to medical doctors and general practitioners
• Delegate tasks as well as coordinate the activities of nurses and other medical staff
• Monitor inventory level of medical supplies to facilitate stock replacement as maybe required
• Examine surgical implements, equipment, and operating room to ensure they are sterile and ready for medical procedure
• Proffer recommendations to address lower back and spine issues
• Maintain accurate record of patient profile and treatment process
• Guide and supervise the activities of medical students and surgery residents
• Refer patients to other healthcare professionals such as physical therapists
• Carry out research to develop and improve on existing operating procedures and surgical technique
• Update families on the progress of treatment as well as steps necessary for recovery
• Create and maintain good working relationship with specialists such as the primary care physicians as well as with other potential sources of referrals
• Establish collaborative and collegial relationships with colleagues at academic medical centers and admitting hospitals to be able to achieve smooth transfer of patients needing quaternary or tertiary care
• Provide company with all billing documentation in a thorough and timely manner for services at all practice locations
• Be involved in the work to standardize supplies, equipment, and operating room processes.

Orthopedic Surgeon Job Description for Resume

You can apply the sample orthopedic surgeon job description shown above in completing the professional experience section of your resume if you are making one for a new job.

The job or professional experience section is where in your resume you let the recruiter know that you have performed or are presently performing the duties of an orthopedic surgeon.

The duties highlighted for the role in the sample job description above will enable you to quickly make this section.

Orthopedic Surgeon Requirements – Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge for Career Success

If you are interested in the job of orthopedic surgeon, here are major requirements most employers will expect you to have for them to be sure that you will be able to succeed in carrying out the objectives, obligations, and purpose of the position:

• Education and Training: To become an orthopedic surgeon, you require a doctoral degree in medicine. Upon completion of a medical degree, you are required to complete a 5-year residency program under the supervision of an orthopedic surgeon. A fellowship program is also necessary for specialization in various areas of orthopedics such as hand surgery, arthroplasty, and spine surgery. State licensure is also required for practice
• Physical Dexterity: Orthopedic surgeons are proficient in using various medical implements to reattach, set and replace defective bones or ligaments
• Compassion: They are able to show care and concern to patients with bone/muscle injuries
• Problem-solving Skill: They employ their knowledge of the human skeletal system in treating patients with bone related issues
• Possess an unrestricted DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) registration
• Possess unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state where job sought is located
• Possess certification from a board that is acceptable to the hospital where job is sought.

Conclusion

The sample job description provided in this post can be employed in making a good description for the orthopedic surgeon position if you are an employer hiring for the role.

Using our more comprehensive work description sample and information about the duties and responsibilities of an orthopedic surgeon, you are sure of creating a description that can attract the best suitable candidates for the job.

Also, information contained in this post is helpful to individuals interested in the orthopedic surgery career to have good knowledge of what it entails before getting into it.