8. Orthopedic surgery
Orthopedics ranks on our list of most intellectually challenging, cerebral medical specialties in the US. A medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, orthopedic surgeons take care of both young and old — newborns with clubfoot, young athletes who need arthroscopic surgery and older patients with arthritis. Even though most orthopedists study general orthopedics in a private group practice setting, some might finish specialization in medical rehabilitation, treating the foot, hand, shoulder, spine, hip, knee, etc. Others may become experts in pediatrics, trauma, or sports medicine. Surgery is all about teamwork — The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons is the world’s largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists (24,000 internationally). The training program lasts five years; including a PG-Y 1 year (PGY-1 year of training must be completed in general surgery).
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