Orthopedic surgery vs. ophthalmology 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. ophthalmology 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. Ophthalmology: 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.
Ophthalmology, meanwhile, offers more job openings. You can easily find a hospital that needs ophthalmologists, and the career outlook is positive, even if the salary is not as high as orthopedic surgery. But ophthalmology 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 ophthalmologists have a lower average salary of $388,000. 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 ophthalmologists earn less with $388,000 annually
Orthopedic Surgery vs. Ophthalmology: 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 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%.
To become an ophthalmologist, graduates must complete a one-year internship in internal medicine, followed by a three-year residency program in ophthalmology. The percentage of US seniors unmatched in internal medicine was 2.0%, making it a less competitive residency in the 2022 match.
Orthopedic surgery had a 34.2% unmatched rate, while internal medicine had a 2% unmatched rate among US seniors
Training Path: Residency
The training pathways for orthopedic surgery vs. ophthalmology are not the same. Ophthalmology involves a three-year ophthalmology residency after completing a one-year internship. Orthopedic surgery involves a five-year orthopedic residency.
Ophthalmology 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. Ophthalmology: Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is a crucial factor for many medical professionals. Ophthalmologists often enjoy a slightly better work-life balance due to the nature of their work. They usually have predetermined working hours, leading to more predictable schedules. However, it’s worth mentioning that this also means ophthalmologists are thought to be more easily replaced, as they don’t typically maintain a panel of patients like their orthopedic surgery counterparts.
In comparison, orthopedic surgeons often have demanding surgical schedules and may work long hours in the operating room. They may also be on-call for emergencies such as trauma or accidents.
On average, orthopedic surgeons work 52.9 hours per week, which is above the middle of all medical specialties. In comparison, ophthalmology averages 45.3 weekly working hours, ranking near the lower end of all medical specialties.
Orthopedists work an average of 52.9 hours per week, while ophthalmologists work fewer hours, at 45.3 per week.
Orthopedists require more documentation, such as referral letters and diagnostic tests, resulting in an estimated 14 hours of admin/paperwork per week. In comparison, ophthalmologists have to spend slightly fewer hours with 10 hours per week, ranking near the lower end of all medical specialties.
Orthopedists work on admin/paperwork an average of 14 hours per week, while ophthalmologists work fewer hours, at 10 per week.
Training Duration and Subspecialties
The training duration is a key aspect to consider when choosing between orthopedic surgery vs. ophthalmology. Ophthalmology has one year of internship and a three-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. Ophthalmology: 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 ophthalmology. 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 ophthalmology.
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 ophthalmology ranked slightly lower with 92% of ophthalmologists feeling the same way.
Orthopedists reported a 95% job satisfaction rate, while ophthalmologists reported lower satisfaction with 92%
That being said, the burnout rate for orthopedic surgery was 45%, near the lower end of all medical specialties. In comparison, ophthalmology had a burnout rate of 48%, ranking below the middle of all medical specialties.
Orthopedists have a burnout rate of 45%, while ophthalmologists have a higher burnout rate of 48%.
Orthopedic Surgery vs. Ophthalmology Comparison
To provide a visual overview, here’s a table comparing orthopedic surgery and ophthalmology:
| Aspect | Orthopedic Surgery | Ophthalmology |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | High, especially those focusing on high-demand joint/spine procedures | Competitive salary, with potential for high earnings in subspecialties like retinal surgery |
| Job Security | High demand field as population ages. Injuries and sports will ensure job stability. | Stable demand, as vision issues are prevalent across age groups |
| Training Path | Typically involves 5 years of orthopedic surgery residency | Typically involves 4 years, including one preliminary internal medicine and 3 years of ophthalmology residency |
| Lifestyle | Predictable work schedule and increased opportunities for time off, but involve on-call responsibilities for trauma or accident cases | Generally more predictable working hours |
| Administrative Paperwork | Moderate documentation requirements for surgery notes, consults, and orders. | Lower documentation requirements |
| Job Satisfaction | Generally high, satisfaction tied to successful surgeries and patient outcomes | Slightly 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. | Precision and attention to details. |
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. ophthalmology 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.
