What Makes An Orthopedic Surgeon A Good Choice?

Choosing an orthopedic surgeon can be a daunting prospect, but it’s too important a decision for patients to rush into. After all, an orthopedic surgeons success or failure can have a profound effect on the patient’s quality of life. As a result, it’s very important for patients to choose a surgeon based on some important criteria.

Training

All orthopedic surgeons undergo extensive training to be able to practice, but that doesn’t mean they’re all equal. First, an orthopedic surgeon must receive an undergraduate degree, and then they must attend four years of medical school to receive their doctorate. Next, they’re required to complete a five year residency. Residency requirements for orthopedic surgeons typically require them to work in the orthopedic department of a hospital.

Where a surgeon completes their residency can be important. The most prestigious residency programs are almost unbelievably competitive, so if a surgeon was admitted to a particularly prestigious program, it reflects very well on their abilities.

After completing their residency, most ambitious orthopedic surgeons also go on to complete a fellowship. A fellowship is an additional training program in a specialty which relates to orthopedics. For example, an orthopedic surgeon might complete a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery, hand surgery, orthopedic oncology, or another such specialty. This can be important for patients who have very specialized conditions, as it’s a good idea to choose an orthopedic surgeon with expertise in that area.

Number of procedures performed

There’s a lot of scientific evidence to suggest that the risk of complications is drastically reduced when a procedure is performed by a surgeon with extensive related experience. Surgeons keep track of the number of times they’ve performed each of the procedures they’re qualified for, and they are always very happy to provide their patients with that information. While it may seem like an awkward question to ask, it shouldn’t be—besides, it’s far too important to your health to let a little awkwardness stand between you and vital information.

Where they work

Another important consideration is the facility in which the surgery will be performed. First off, top hospitals only allow the best surgeons to perform procedures there, so determining that an orthopedic surgeon is working in a prestigious hospital gives the patient some valuable insight into their reputation. Second, the patient’s well-being isn’t in the hands of the surgeon alone. While the surgeon’s expertise obviously is important, the care the patient receives before surgery and during recovery can be equally important.

Top orthopedic surgeons generally work at well-respected hospitals, so patients should look up ratings related to the hospital’s post-surgery infection rate, its surgical success rate, and reviews by other patients, as well as other relevant statistics. Also, the hospital at which the surgery is performed will be a significant factor in the patient’s overall experience. Surgery is a stressful event, and being in a facility where the staff behave respectfully and with compassion can make the entire experience much easier.

Are you based in Phoenix? If so you may find useful information on the following website:Top Orthopedic Surgeons In Phoenix

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