How to Become An Orthopedic Surgeon In South Africa

Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in the musculoskeletal system – the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are so essential to movement and everyday life.

What do Orthopaedic surgeon do?

An orthopaedic surgeon is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, preventing and rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, both surgically and non-surgically, in people of all ages. The musculoskeletal system includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

DO orthopedic doctors do surgery?

Orthopedic doctors can perform surgical and non-surgical procedures.

DO orthopedic surgeons have to be strong?

“You don’t need to be strong — we have power tools — and you don’t have to be an athlete to understand the body. It is also important for women to know that they can be an orthopedic surgeon and have a family life, as I do.” O’Connor is one of the few women in the country to chair an orthopedics’ surgery department.

Orthopedic Surgeon: Career Info & Requirements

Essential Information

Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system; they may specialize in areas such as sports medicine or hand surgery. The orthopedic surgery career path requires 8-9 years of post-baccalaureate education, along with continued maintenance of board certification.

Required EducationDoctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and 4-5 year residency in a hospital
Other RequirementsState medical license and board certification in orthopedic surgery
Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)*7% for all physicians and surgeons
Mean Salary (2018)*R 3855502.46or all surgeons

Career Information

Orthopedic surgeons operate on patients with musculoskeletal problems, including arm, leg, neck, bone and tissue ailments. Orthopedic disorders and conditions may range from congenital deformities to musculoskeletal injuries, trauma and tumors.

These surgeons perform operations on patients who are under general anesthesia. The field offers qualified individuals the chance to build lucrative careers in hospitals, academic medical centers or private practice environments.

Career and Earnings Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasted 7% growth for physicians and surgeons from 2018-2028, particularly in rural areas of the U.S. where there is a low ratio of physicians to the population (www.bls.gov).

The BLS reports that surgeons made an average salary of $255,110 annually as of May 2018. Because orthopedic surgery is a popular area of specialty, jobs may be more competitive in traditional environments, such as hospitals and health centers.

Career Requirements

After completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in biology, pre-medicine or a related field, aspiring orthopedic surgeons must complete four additional years of medical school, followed by a 4- to 5-year orthopedic surgery residency in a hospital.

The first year of residency usually covers general surgery, with the remaining years devoted to orthopedic-specific training. Surgeons wishing to specialize further in subspecialties, such as orthopedic sports medicine or pediatric orthopedics, must also complete a 1- to 2-year fellowship after their residency.

Required Licensing and Certification

Like all doctors, orthopedic surgeons must pass the S.A Medical Licensing Examination to legally practice (www.usmle.org). This exam can be taken in several parts, usually while students are still involved in their residencies.

After completing their residencies, orthopedic surgeons must also pass an exam by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, a division of the American Board of Medical Specialties, in order to be certified in their area of surgery (www.abos.org). Recertification is required every 7-10 years.

Skills Required

Orthopedic surgeons must have a thorough understanding of current medical technologies, medical ethics, pharmacology and physiology. A particular aptitude for musculoskeletal health, disease prevention and treatment is essential.

An orthopedic surgery career also requires an ability to work long hours and make solid decisions under pressure. Orthopedic surgeons must stay abreast of new developments in the orthopedic surgery field.

Orthopedic surgeons complete more than a decade of training, including an orthopedic surgical residency in a hospital. They must pass the complex USMLE exam to earn their medical license, then take an exam to become board certified as an orthopedic surgeon.

How long does it take to become an orthopedic surgeon in South Africa?

Becoming an orthopedic surgeon typically requires eight years of schooling, although some schools offer accelerated programs.

How much do orthopedic surgeons earn in South Africa?

The average pay for an Orthopedic Surgeon is ZAR 3,050,479 a year and ZAR 1,467 an hour in South Africa. The average salary range for an Orthopedic Surgeon is between ZAR 1,965,656 and ZAR 4,394,556. On average, a Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education for an Orthopedic Surgeon.

How many years does it take to become an orthopedic surgeon?

Four years of medical school, plus a minimum of five years of residency, is mandatory for anyone who hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon, and it’s typical to also do a fellowship focused on a specific type of orthopedic surgery, such as foot and ankle surgery, according to experts.

What qualifications do you need to be a orthopedic surgeon?

Entry requirements. Before you train as a surgeon you must complete a degree in medicine and have obtained a MBBS or equivalent qualification. Find out about getting into medical school. You then need to complete a two-year foundation programme and then two years of core training.

Where can I study to be an orthopedic surgeon in South Africa?

Programmes by Study Institutions

University of Cape Town.

University of KwaZulu-Natal. Premier.

University of the Free State.

What type of surgeon makes the most money in South Africa?

Trauma Surgeon

Trauma surgeons are some of the biggest contributors to society and to the advancement of the medical field. Trauma surgeons are one of the highest paying jobs in South Africa, typically earn around 111,000 ZAR.

How many hours a week do orthopedic surgeons work?

On average, respondents worked 70.3 (range 50–110) hours per week, with an average of 40.9 hours dedicated to clinical duties, 12.6 hours to administrative duties, 10.5 hours to education and 8.3 hours to research (Table 1). No surgeon wished they worked more hours in the week.

Who is the best orthopedic surgeon in South Africa?

Dr. Piet Botha. Orthopedic Surgeon. 19 reviews.

Dr. Rian Steyn. Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr.

Dr. Dr Beyers Oosthuizen. Orthopedic Surgeon.

Dr. Steve Roche. Orthopedic Surgeon.

Dr. Ntambue Jimmy Kauta. Orthopedic Surgeon.

Dr. Chris Snyckers. Orthopedic Surgeon.

Dr. Pieter Aucamp. Orthopedic Surgeon.

Dr. Koos Louw. Orthopedic Surgeon.

How many orthopedic surgeons are in South Africa?

The Department of Health reports that there are 184 Full Time Equivalent Orthopaedic Surgeons employed in the state.

How many years does it take to become a surgeon in South Africa?

To become a doctor in South Africa you have to study for 6 years (5 years at UFS) or 7 years if you are on the extended programme provided you do not fail any year.

Do you need to be strong to be an orthopedic surgeon?

A reasonable degree of physical fitness is helpful to get through long orthopaedic operating lists, which are often conducted while wearing protective lead gear and involve performing a range of manual tasks.