Orthopedic surgery vs. obstetrics and gynecology 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. obstetrics and gynecology 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. Obstetrics and Gynecology: 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.
Obstetrics and gynecology, meanwhile, offers more job openings. You can easily find a hospital that needs obstetrician-gynecologists, and the career outlook is positive, even if the salary is not as high as plastic surgery. But obstetrics and gynecology also comes with some challenges, such as higher burnout, which we will discuss later.
According to recent data, orthopedists earn an average annual salary of $573,000, while obstetrician-gynecologists earn less with an average of $337,000. Of all medical specialties, only plastic surgeons have higher average annual salaries than orthopedists, with plastic surgeons earning $619,000.
Orthopedic Surgeons have an average annual salary of $573,000, while obstetrician-gynecologists earn a comparatively lower annual salary of $337,000
Orthopedic Surgery vs. Obstetrics and Gynecology: 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 their preferred specialty. The unmatched percentage among US Seniors for obstetrics and gynecology was 16.1%, making it moderately 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 is highly competitive with a 34.2% unmatched rate, while obstetrics and gynecology is moderately competitive at 16.1%
Training Path: Residency
The training pathways for orthopedic surgery vs. obstetrics and gynecology are not the same. Obstetrics and gynecology involve a four-year obstetrics and gynecology residency. Orthopedic surgery involves a five-year orthopedic residency
Obstetrics and gynecology 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. Obstetrics and Gynecology: Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is a crucial factor for many medical professionals. Orthopedic surgeons and obstetrician-gynecologists have to deal with demanding schedules and on-call duties. However, due to the nature of their work, obstetrician-gynecologists may have a slightly better balance between work and personal life. They often have a more consistent work schedule that allows for more time off.
On average, orthopedic surgeons work about 52.- hours per week on average, ranking above the middle of all medical specialties. In comparison, obstetrician-gynecologists work slightly more, at 53.9 hours per week, ranking near the upper end of all medical specialties.
Orthopedists work an average of 52.9 hours per week, while obstetrician-gynecologists work slightly higher hours, at 53.9 per week.
Obstetrician-gynecologists require slightly more documentation, such as referral letters and diagnostic tests, resulting in an estimated 15 hours of admin/paperwork per week. In comparison, orthopedists have to spend 14 hours, which is near the middle of all medical specialties.
Orthopedists work on admin/paperwork an average of 14 hours per week, while obstetrician-gynecologists work slightly 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. obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics and gynecology has a four-year training period, while orthopedic surgery requires a minimum of five years of residency after completing medical school
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. Obstetrics and Gynecology: 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 obstetrics and gynecology. 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 obstetrics and gynecology.
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 obstetrics and gynecology ranked lower with 76% of obstetrician-gynecologists feeling the same way.
Orthopedists reported a 95% job satisfaction rate, while obstetrician-gynecologists reported lower satisfaction with 76%
That being said, the burnout rate for orthopedic surgery was 45%, near the lower end of all medical specialties. In comparison, obstetrician-gynecologists reported a burnout rate of 58%, ranking near the upper end of all medical specialties.
Orthopedists have a burnout rate of 45%, while obstetricians and gynecologists have a higher burnout rate of 58%.
Orthopedic Surgery vs. Obstetrics and Gynecology Comparison
To provide a visual overview, here’s a table comparing orthopedic surgery and obstetrics and gynecology:
| Aspect | Orthopedic Surgery | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | High, especially those focusing on high-demand joint/spine procedures | Lower than orthopedic surgery |
| Job Security | High demand field as population ages. Injuries and sports will ensure job stability. | High demand due to increasing rates of women's health issues and pregnancy complications |
| Training Path | Typically involves 5 years of orthopedic surgery residency | Typically involves four years of obstetrics and gynecology residency |
| Lifestyle | Predictable work schedule and increased opportunities for time off, but involve on-call responsibilities for trauma or accident cases | More regular working hours, but may also involve on-call duties and emergency consultations |
| Administrative Paperwork | Moderate documentation requirements for surgery notes, consults, and orders. | Moderate administrative 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. | Strong communication and empathy skills, ability to handle sensitive and intimate patient concerns |
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. obstetrics and gynecology 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 preferences.
