The majority of surgical procedures involving the spine are inherently delicate and difficult, necessitating the expertise and steady hands of a skilled professional. A person who wishes to pursue a career as a spinal surgeon must typically complete four years of medical school, four years of residency training, and one to two years of fellowship training. In addition, to obtain the necessary credentials, an individual must pass a series of licensing and certification exams.
A person who wants to become a spinal surgeon can prepare for medical school by earning a bachelor’s degree in premedical studies, biology, or a related subject from an accredited university. To gain a thorough understanding of the human body, undergraduates typically take several courses in human anatomy, physiology, cognitive science, and biology. Math, computer science, and communications classes are also essential for developing the skills needed to succeed in the health-care field.
An individual can take a national medical college admissions test near the end of a bachelor’s degree program and begin applying to reputable medical schools. A medical student interested in becoming a spinal surgeon may pursue a doctor of medicine (MD) or a doctor of osteopathy (DO) degree. Both programs take four to five years to complete and include intensive classroom studies and clinical internships. Furthermore, students are usually involved in detailed research projects focusing on some aspect of pathology, physiology, or surgical techniques.
A new doctor can apply for residency positions in neurologic or orthopedic surgery after earning their degree. Although either program can help someone become a spinal surgeon, most professionals choose the neurology option to gain specialized knowledge of nervous system disorders. As a resident, a doctor will often have the opportunity to assist and observe experienced surgeons as they operate on real patients. The majority of residents continue to take regular lecture courses and conduct independent research. After completing a residency, a surgeon is usually required to pass a licensing exam administered by a national governing board.
Many surgeons begin their independent careers after earning credentials as a neurologic or orthopedic specialist, but those interested in becoming a spinal surgeon must usually complete a one- to two-year fellowship. The majority of a fellowship’s training consists of performing spinal surgeries under the supervision of an experienced surgeon. A person who performs well during his or her fellowship can take a final licensing exam to become a licensed spinal surgeon.