A Career in Orthopaedic Surgery

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The term orthopaedic surgery was first used in the 18th century and is derived from the Greek words “orthos” (straight) and “paidiea” (the rearing of children) reflecting the amount of time spent by early orthopaedic surgeons in managing childhood deformities. Today it has evolved into a major specialty of musculo-skeletal medicine to include the management of fractures and trauma as well as degenerative disorders of bones and joints. Elective sub-specialties include spine, paediatrics, upper limb, knee, hip, oncology, foot and ankle and sports injuries.

So you want to be an Orthopaedic Surgeon?

A career in orthopaedic surgery is rewarding as it is a diverse, technical and continually evolving specialty. As population ageing takes place a greater demand will be placed on the specialty in the future. The current training pathway in Ireland is competitive and is based on the Calman training system. After graduating from medical school internship is undertaken for a 1-year period. Trainees wishing to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery then enter the national Basic Surgical Training (BST) scheme which provides basic surgical training in rotation through a number of specialties over a 2 year period. BST introduces trainees to the principles of surgery in general and has a core curriculum which is undertaken by all trainees irrespective of their future specialty aspirations. On successful completion of the BST and passing the Intercollegiate Membership Examination (MRCS) a Certificate of Completion of Basic Surgical Training (CCBST) is awarded. Trainees are now eligible to apply for the Higher Surgical Training Scheme (HST) in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery. However, trainees typically undertake a postgraduate degree (MCh or MD) based on full-time research over a 1-2 year period prior to applying for a position on the HST scheme. Application for the HST is highly competitive with positions awarded on a points system with points being allocated for clinical experience, skills assessment, research and interview performance. The HST scheme is a 6-year programme. During the 4th year trainees take the examination for the award of Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland FRCSI (Tr & Orth). Following completion, a Certificate of Completion of Surgical Training is issued allowing trainees to apply for consultant positions. Trainees may additionally undertake a sub-specialty fellowship at the end of HST training. A consultants post involves outpatient clinics (trauma and elective), operating sessions (trauma and elective), administration, clinical governance and academic teaching. Entry onto the HST scheme is highly competitive and intending trainees are advised to prepare early, develop a solid curriculum vitae, attend relevant courses and gain hands-on research experience throughout their undergraduate years