FAQs about a Career in Orthopaedic Medicine

Find answers to frequently asked questions about a career in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. If you have additional questions about our orthopaedic medical services, please contact us at 502-212-2663 for more information.

What do I need to do in order to prepare to become a great Orthopaedic surgeon?  

The first step is to get really good grades in college so you can get into medical school. Step two is to score really well on the MCAT which is the admissions test into medical school. Step three is to do very well in medical school and maintain a high class rank.

After you get into medical school it is important to do some research projects and try to get them published before even applying to an Orthopaedic residency program. While in medical school you must score very highly on your board exams in addition to maintaining a high class rank.  It is also important that you do an elective orthopedic rotation so you can get some strong letters of recommendation from your attending physicians in orthopedics.

After you get into an orthopedic residency program you will spend your first year as a surgical intern, four years as an Orthopaedic resident and most residents will go on to complete a fellowship. Most Orthopaedic fellowships last one year. A fellowship is a way to become a super-specialist. Fellowships are offered in a variety of fields from sports medicine to spine surgery.

After you complete your residency you must pass a written board exam and then about one year after you have been in practice you have to pass an oral exam. Then every 10 years you have to re-take a written board exam. You can also get double boarded by taking a board exam in your speciality. For example Dr. Grossfeld is board certified in bothOrthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

I am interested in a career in sports medicine. Can you offer advice?

Dr. Grossfeld recommends finishing a residency in Orthopaedic surgery and then applying for a surgical sports medicine program. Another option is to complete a non Orthopaedic residency and then apply for a non surgical sports medicine fellowship. This option allows you a better understanding of diagnosing and treating non surgical conditions such as tendinitis.

How can I learn more information about the resident education in orthopedic medicine that you offer for medical students?

Contact Orthopaedic Specialists at 502-212-2663 and ask for Amy McGregor, the practice manager for Dr. Grossfeld’s email address. Email and start a discussion. Read more about some of the medical residents who have worked at Orthopaedic Specialists.

How can I learn more about shadowing as a high school, college or premed student?

Contact Orthopaedic Specialists at 502-212-2663 and ask for Amy McGregor, the practice manager for Dr. Grossfeld’s email address.  Dr. Grossfeld routinely has students shadow her in the office and in surgery.

Does Dr. Grossfeld work with high school students in serving as a mentor for senior projects?

Yes , Dr. Grossfeld works with all the area high schools.

Is Dr. Grossfeld an official American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery mentor?

Yes, Dr. Grossfeld is an official American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and she mentors other women interested in pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery.

Interested in answers to some frequently asked questions about specific conditions?  Check out more of our FAQ pages.

General Office Procedures
Foot and Ankle
Knees
Shoulders
Hips
Elbows, Wrists, Arms, and Fingers
Arthroscopy