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Image of career: Orthopaedic Surgeon

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Overview

Orthopaedic surgeons help patients restore movement after illnesses have affected their musculoskeletal system.

Description

  • Provide clinical consultations and assess patients.
  • Conduct rounds to monitor patients.
  • Perform both planned and emergency surgeries.
  • Provide orthopaedic treatments such as medication, injections, or therapy.
  • Use data and technology to improve patients' conditions.

Entry requirements

  • You need at least a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) to become a surgeon. Be prepared to spend 3-10 years in medical school.

Salary

$17,300 – 18,400

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Medical practitioners are encouraged to pick up skills in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to improve patient outcomes, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and to be more efficient.

What to expect

You'll perform a wide range of procedures, such as less invasive surgeries or complex joint replacements.

Soft
skills

Decision-Making

Ability to choose the best options for patient-specific conditions.

Communication

Ability to clearly explain diagnoses, treatment plans, and post-surgery care.

Collaboration

Work with healthcare teams including nurses, anaesthesiologists, and physical therapists.

Surgical Proficiency

Expertise in performing orthopaedic surgeries, such as joint replacements, arthroscopies, and fracture repairs.

Anatomical Knowledge

Possess a deep understanding of human bones, muscles, and joints.

Diagnostic Skills

Ability to accurately diagnose orthopaedic conditions using clinical assessments and imaging technologies.

Hard
skills

"I chose medicine because it gave me the opportunity... to make the life of someone else better."

Dr Hamid Razak, Orthopaedic Surgeon

National Youth Council

Frequently asked questions

You’ll spend 3-10 years in medical school before becoming an independent practitioner.

Surgeons work long days with packed schedules. They have morning meetings, clinical consultations, surgeries, and evening patient rounds.

Yes, subspecialties include hand surgery, sports medicine, joint replacement surgery, and orthopaedic oncology.

It's very competitive. It's a specialised field that requires extensive education, training, and experience.

They often feel physical and mental exhaustion from the long hours, extensive studying and training, and the pressure to ensure successful surgeries.