No, it is not possible to become an orthopedic surgeon without attending medical school. Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires several years of extensive medical education and training.
Here is the typical educational pathway to become an orthopedic surgeon:
Undergraduate education: Prospective medical students must complete a bachelor's degree, usually in a science-related field, as a prerequisite for applying to medical school. During their undergraduate years, students are expected to take pre-medical courses, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Medical school: After completing their bachelor's degree, aspiring orthopedic surgeons must attend medical school. Medical school typically lasts for four years, during which students study various aspects of medicine, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical skills.
Residency training: After graduating from medical school, individuals interested in becoming orthopedic surgeons must complete a residency program in orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic surgery residency programs usually last for five years and provide hands-on training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
Fellowship (optional): After completing their orthopedic surgery residency, some surgeons choose to pursue additional training through fellowships in specialized areas of orthopedics, such as spine surgery, sports medicine, or joint replacement surgery.
Throughout this educational journey, aspiring orthopedic surgeons must also obtain the necessary licensure and certifications required to practice medicine legally in their respective countries.
The path to becoming an orthopedic surgeon is rigorous and demanding, but it ensures that these professionals are adequately trained to provide high-quality care to patients with musculoskeletal conditions.