Navy Officer Subspecialty · Medical
ORTHO Orthopedic Surgery
An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.
Overview
Orthopedic surgeons provide surgical and nonsurgical treatment for injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They perform procedures such as ligament reconstructions, rotator cuff repairs, joint replacements, and fracture fixation, often focusing on a specific area of the body or field of care.
Core Skills
- musculoskeletal diagnosis
- orthopedic imaging interpretation
- fracture management
- joint replacement surgery
- ligament reconstruction
- arthroscopic surgery
- trauma resuscitation
- postoperative care
- rehabilitation planning
Civilian Software & Tools
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Windows
- Computer imaging software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Human resources management system HRMS
- Image-guided surgery software
- Integra Radionics NeuroSight Arc
Civilian Career Paths
- Physician
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Training and Education
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Career Growth
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Board Certification
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Also Common
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Registration
- State Medical License (MD/DO)
What the Work Involves
- Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.
- Advise against injured athletes returning to games or competition if resuming activity could lead to further injury.
- Record athletes' medical care information, and maintain medical records.
- Record athletes' medical histories, and perform physical examinations.
Related Occupations
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
- Anesthesiologists
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: graduate-level education or extensive experience.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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