After four years of medical school, physicians choose a specialty and arrange for training in their area of interest. Orthopedic Surgery is one of the surgical specialties that physicians can choose.
Orthopedic training is usually for a five year period after medical school.
Once a physician has completed their residency, they are considered board eligible. In order to receive board certification, doctors must pass a difficult examination. They are also required to take an oral test, and have their recent surgical cases reviewed. Information on training and board certification is available from your local medical society. Orthopedic surgeons who care for children usually complete additional training in pediatric orthopedics.