How do I Become an Arthroscopic Surgeon?

In order to become an arthroscopic surgeon, a student should begin planning early in his or her school career. Some students realize as early as high school that he or she would like to become an arthroscopic surgeon and will work at excelling in sciences such as biology, chemistry, and human development. Education is the most important factor when entering any medical profession and grades should reflect perseverance, diligence, and dedication. The decision to become an arthroscopic surgeon should not be impulsive due to the required time invested before being able to legally practice medicine, which can range between 12 and 14 years.

High school grades are essential to being accepted at an accredited university for undergraduate studies, and will ultimately affect the student's medical school options. Due to this chain reaction, a student should consistently aim for high grades throughout the educational process. Undergraduate coursework should have an emphasis on pre-medical studies in order to prepare the student for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) that is required before entering medical school.

The first year of medical school is usually based on general areas including physiology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, and other coursework that assists the student in increasing his or her medical knowledge. In the second year, depending on the student's ability to complete first year courses, the student will begin to narrow the focus onto specific subjects that will prepare him or her to become an arthroscopic surgeon. Most of the coursework is devised to gradually enhance the student's knowledge and experience in order to ease his or her transition into residency work after medical school completion, which may take up to four years.

There are typically additional examinations that are required before exiting medical school, but the format depends on the country where the school is located. The residency time is usually six years and is divided into two sections. Patient care and basic surgery is covered in the first section, whereas the second begins training the student to become an arthroscopic surgeon. Once the residency is successfully completed, the student will take a board examination in order to legally become an arthroscopic surgeon and begin practicing medicine.

An arthroscopic surgeon is more commonly referred to as an orthopedic surgeon. The arthroscope is a small instrument equipped with a lens that allows the surgeon a close look at cartilage and joint damage. Arthroscopic procedures are techniques commonly used by an orthopedic surgeon.