How many years of school does it take to be a leg specialist ?

Hi Josue,

• Orthopedists diagnose and treat conditions of the musculoskeletal system, which consists of the spine, peripheral nerves, joints, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Some orthopedists choose to focus on a particular area, such as degenerative diseases or sports injuries.

Undergraduate Education:

• Individuals aspiring to be an orthopedist must complete an undergraduate degree program. Some people choose to major in scientific disciplines, such as biology and chemistry. Although a prospective physician needs a solid background in the sciences, majoring in science is not absolutely necessary. Some medical school candidates major in philosophy, English or music as undergraduates. Improve your chances of medical school acceptance by pursuing extracurricular activities that give you clinical exposure and help demonstrate your passion for the medical field. For example, volunteer at a hospital or participate in an enrichment program offered by a local medical school.

Medical School

• In the United States, all prospective physicians must complete four years of education at a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. During medical school, prospective orthopedists learn about pathology, microbiology, neuroscience, genetics, human anatomy, biochemistry and pharmacology. Students rotate through the family medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry and obstetrics services during the third year of medical school. During the fourth year of medical school, some students have the opportunity to complete rotations in specialty areas that interest them. If possible, a prospective orthopedist should complete a rotation in orthopedic surgery.

Residency

• An orthopedist must complete a residency program that typically lasts for five years. Residency is a comprehensive graduate training program that allows new physicians to learn about a specialty area of medicine. During an orthopedic surgery residency, residents develop skills in general orthopedics, sports medicine, joint reconstruction, trauma orthopedics, spine surgery, hand surgery and orthopedics. The curriculum for an orthopedics residency program varies based on a resident's hospital placement, so research each residency program carefully before committing to a particular school.

USMLE Exams

• Medical students and orthopedic residents must complete the three-step United States Medical Licensing Examination process to ensure that they have the scientific knowledge and clinical skills necessary to practice medicine. Medical students take the first step of the exam after completing the second year of medical school. This test covers scientific principles and their application to the field of medicine. Students cannot continue their medical education until they have passed this exam. During the fourth year of medical school, students complete the second step of this process. This exam helps ensure that medical school graduates have the clinical skills necessary to care for patients. Residents typically take the third exam after completing the first year of residency. This step tests whether students have the biomedical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to practice medicine without supervision. Every physician must pass this three-step examination process before applying for a required medical license.

In: http://work.chron.com/requirements-orthopedist-13324.html

I wish all the best in the career!!