Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric

What the job really is

Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-1242
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
• Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes related to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.
• Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions, and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
• Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
• Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
• Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
• Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
• Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
• Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
• Operate on patient's musculoskeletal system to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patient's functions.
• Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.
• Prepare case histories.

Tools and technology

Epic Systems, MEDITECH software, Microsoft Windows, Abdominal retractors, Amputation retractors, Anastomosis clamps, Andrews tables, Argon beam coagulators, Arterial line catheters, Artery forceps, Autologous blood recovery systems, Automated external defibrillators AED

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Pediatric Surgeons
• Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
• Anesthesiologists
• Urologists
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
• Dermatologists
• Neurologists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.