Orthopedic surgery vs. physical medicine and rehabilitation 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. physical medicine and rehabilitation 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. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: 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.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation, meanwhile, offers more job openings. You can easily find a hospital that needs physiatrists, and the career outlook is positive, even if the salary is not as high as orthopedic surgery. But physical medicine and rehabilitation 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 physiatrists have a lower average salary of $306,000. 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 physiatrists earn less with $306,000 annually
Orthopedic Surgery vs. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: 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 physical medicine and rehabilitation was 13.9%, 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 had a 34.2% unmatched rate, while physical medicine and rehabilitation had a 13.9% unmatched rate among US seniors
Training Path: Residency
The training pathways for orthopedic surgery vs. physical medicine and rehabilitation are not the same. Physical medicine and rehabilitation involves a four-year residency. Orthopedic surgery involves a five-year orthopedic residency
Physical medicine and rehabilitation 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. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is a crucial factor for many medical professionals. Physiatrists often enjoy a better work-life balance due to the nature of their work. They usually have predetermined working hours, leading to more predictable schedules.
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, physiatrists have 49.9 weekly working hours, ranking in the middle of all medical specialties.
Orthopedists work an average of 52.9 hours per week, while physiatrists work fewer hours, at 49.9 per week.
Physical medical and rehabilitation is a patient-centric specialty that requires building long-lasting relationships with patients. While this can be rewarding, it also means carrying a patient panel and more administrative work.
That being said, orthopedic surgeons spend 14 hours per week on administrative paperwork tasks. In comparison, physiatrists spend an estimated 19 hours on admin and paperwork per week, ranking at the upper end of all medical specialties
Orthopedists work on admin/paperwork an average of 14 hours per week, while physiatrists work more hours, at 19 per week.
Training Duration and Subspecialties
The training duration is a key aspect to consider when choosing between orthopedic surgery vs. physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physical medicine and rehabilitation has a four-year training period, orthopedic surgery has a five-year residency training period.
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. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: 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 physical medicine and rehabilitation. 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 physical medicine and rehabilitation.
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 physical medicine and rehabilitation ranked lower with 85% of physiatrists feeling the same way.
Orthopedists reported a 95% job satisfaction rate, while physiatrists reported lower satisfaction with 85%
That being said, the burnout rates for orthopedic surgery were 45%, near the lower end of all medical specialties. In comparison, physiatrists had a burnout rate of 47% ranking below the middle of all medical specialties.
Orthopedists have a burnout rate of 45%, while physiatrists have a higher burnout rate of 47%.
Orthopedic Surgery vs. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Comparison
To provide a visual overview, here’s a table comparing orthopedic surgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation:
| Aspect | Orthopedic Surgery | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Stable demand with aging populations and focus on non-life-threatening conditions |
| Training Path | Typically involves 5 years of orthopedic surgery residency | Typically involves four years of physical medicine and rehabilitation residency |
| Lifestyle | Predictable work schedule and increased opportunities for time off, but involve on-call responsibilities for trauma or accident cases | Predictable hours without on-call duties |
| Administrative Paperwork | Moderate documentation requirements for surgery notes, consults, and orders. | High documentation requirements such as notes and referral letters |
| 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 | Low to Moderate |
| Personality | Detail-oriented, mechanically inclined. Enjoy operative procedures. | Empathetic, strong intercommunication skills |
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. physical medicine and rehabilitation 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.
