Orthopedic surgery vs. general surgery is one of the biggest debates among medical students interested in physiology. Both specialties allow you to explore the complex workings of the human body and use your skills to improve patient outcomes. However, they also have significant differences, such as the scope of practice, the work environment, and the training requirements.
How do you decide which one is right for you? In this article, we will provide helpful information and tips to help you make an intelligent decision on orthopedic surgery vs. general surgery and find a fulfilling career that matches your interests and abilities. We will also help you evaluate practical factors such as job availability, salary, and training duration.
Orthopedic Surgery vs. General Surgery: Salary and Job Security
Orthopedic surgery might be your specialty if you want to earn a lot of money and have a steady demand for your services. But be prepared for a competitive job market, even if you graduate from a prestigious program.
General surgery, meanwhile, offers more job openings. You can easily find a hospital that needs general surgeons, and the career outlook is positive, even if the salary is not as high as orthopedic surgery. But general surgery also comes with some challenges, such as higher burnout and less job security, which we will discuss later.
According to recent data, orthopedists earn an average annual salary of $573,000, while general surgeons have a lower average salary of $412,000. Of all medical specialties, only plastic surgeons have higher average annual salaries than orthopedists, with plastic surgeons earning $619,000
Orthopedists earn $573,000 per year on average, while general surgeons earn less with $412,000 annually
Orthopedic Surgery vs. General Surgery: Competitiveness
Here we can assess the competitiveness of a specialty by looking at the unmatched rate – the % of people who apply and do not match into their preferred specialty. The unmatched percentage among US Seniors for general surgery was 18.4%, making it highly competitive among US residencies. In comparison, orthopedic surgery was the 2nd most competitive residency in the 2022 Match, with a 34.2% unmatched rate among US Seniors. Only plastic surgery had a higher percentage of 37.3%.
Orthopedic surgery had a 34.2% unmatched rate, while general surgery had an 18.4% unmatched rate among US seniors
Training Path: Residency
The training pathways for orthopedic surgery vs. general surgery are not the same. General surgery involves a five-year general surgery residency. Orthopedic surgery involves a five-year orthopedic residency
General surgery residencies are typically less competitive than orthopedic surgery residencies. Your USMLE scores, med school, and research are the main things for residency applications. Research is also a big thing for fellowship applications, and your residency program counts more, but your USMLE scores matter much less.
Orthopedic Surgery vs. General Surgery: Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is a crucial factor for many medical professionals. Both orthopedic and general surgeons have demanding schedules and may work long hours in the operating room. However, orthopedic surgeons have a more predictable work schedule and can take more time off. In contrast, general surgeons who handle a wide range of surgeries, including emergencies, may have less predictable schedules and be required to be on-call duties at hospitals.
On average, orthopedic surgeons work 52.2 hours per week, ranking them in the middle among medical specialties. In comparison, general surgeons work an average of 57.4 hours per week, ranking them second among all medical specialties. Only intensivists have higher average weekly working hours than general surgeons
Orthopedists work an average of 52.9 hours per week, while general surgeons work more hours, at 57.4 per week.
Both orthopedic and general surgeons have to deal with hours of documentation. Orthopedists spend an estimated 14 hours on admin and paperwork per week, while general surgeons spend slightly more with 15 hours per week.
Orthopedists work on admin/paperwork an average of 14 hours per week, while general surgeons work more hours, at 15 per week.
Training Duration and Subspecialties
The training duration is a key aspect to consider when choosing between orthopedic surgery vs. general surgery. General surgery has a five-year training period, while orthopedic surgery has a minimum of five years of orthopedic residency..
After completing an orthopedic surgery residency program, some surgeons may choose to pursue additional fellowships to further specialize in a particular aspect of orthopedic surgery. This can increase the length of your orthopedic surgery training.
Orthopedic Surgery vs. General Surgery: Job Satisfaction and Burnout Rates
Job satisfaction plays a significant role in career fulfillment. According to various studies, orthopedic surgery tends to have higher job satisfaction rates than general surgery. Many orthopedists express contentment with their career choice and would choose it again if given the chance. Additionally, orthopedic surgery has lower reported burnout rates than general surgery.
According to recent data, orthopedic surgery ranked near the upper end of all medical specialties with 95% of orthopedists stating that they would choose the same specialty again, while general surgery ranked slightly lower with 79% of general surgeons feeling the same way.
Orthopedists reported a 95% job satisfaction rate, while general surgeons reported lower satisfaction with 79%
That being said, the burnout rate for orthopedic surgery was 45%, near the lower end of all medical specialties. In comparison, general surgeons had a burnout rate of 51% ranking in the middle of all medical specialties.
Orthopedists have a burnout rate of 45%, while general surgeons have a higher burnout rate of 51%.
Orthopedic Surgery vs. General Surgery Comparison
To provide a visual overview, here’s a table comparing orthopedic surgery and general surgery:
| Aspect | Orthopedic Surgery | General Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | High, especially those focusing on high-demand joint/spine procedures | Generally high income but lower than orthopedic surgery |
| Job Security | High demand field as population ages. Injuries and sports will ensure job stability. | High demand due to the wide range of conditions treated |
| Training Path | Typically involves 5 years of orthopedic surgery residency | Typically involves 5 years of residency training |
| Lifestyle | Predictable work schedule and increased opportunities for time off, but involve on-call responsibilities for trauma or accident cases | Varied; may involve on-call responsibilities, long working hours, and both outpatient and surgical procedures |
| Administrative Paperwork | Moderate documentation requirements for surgery notes, consults, and orders. | Moderate documentation requirements |
| Job Satisfaction | Generally high, satisfaction tied to successful surgeries and patient outcomes | Lower |
| Burnout Rates | Low to Moderate, depending on the workload and stress associated with surgical procedures | Higher |
| Personality | Detail-oriented, mechanically inclined. Enjoy operative procedures. | Good hand-eye coordination, ability to handle stress and pressure |
Please note that this table serves as a general comparison. To determine the most suitable career for you, consider your personal and career priorities and goals.
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the right specialty between orthopedic surgery vs. general surgery depends heavily on your priorities. To determine this, try reverse engineering your ideal life and identify your top priority. A helpful exercise is to write down the top five things you want to achieve in your career and personal life. Knowing these priorities will make finding a career that aligns with them easier. Often, the biggest obstacle is not a lack of knowledge about different fields but a lack of self-awareness about our own preferences.
