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Skyler Ngo

Ms. Davis

English III Honors

22 February 2018

A Career Following Sports Medicine

The growing knowledge of medicine has efficiently revolutionized society since ancient

times. It has became a significant factor involving the lives of humanistic nature. Medicine

consists of a form of science that plays an extraordinary role universally. Throughout the world,

studies and subjects concerning medicine becomes constantly modernized, which dates back to

the documented Prehistoric era. Based on millions of studies conducted, medicine appears as one

of the most respected professions. Saving lives and relieving suffering remains two highlighted

goals incorporated in this field. Pursuing a career in Sports Medicine requires the secure

knowledge of the musculoskeletal system within the human body, the commitment to roughly

eight years of formal education, as well as the ability to efficiently perform surgical procedures.

Sports Medicine appears as a branch of medicine concerned with the effects of exercise

on the human body, the diagnosis and treatment of athletic injuries, and the prevention of injuries

and other sports-related medical problems (Emeagwali). This field focuses on helping

individuals improve their athletic performance, recover from injury and prevent future injuries.

This medical branch concentrates on the treatment of various injuries as a result of traumatic

collision, and overuse of the joints, specifically of the knees, hips, shoulders, wrists and ankles.

The field of sports medicine became one that provides care for active people and athletes. Its true

purpose relies on treating sports injuries and trying to minimize the risk of them occurring
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(Emeagwali). If not for sports medicine, athletes would not reach the full potentials of recovery

from injuries as quickly and effectively as many do.

In regards to the evidence and records recovered from the times like the Prehistoric eras,

the evolution of medicine has heightened. Critical times called for attendance to certain areas of

the body in which only medical assistance alone could cure the individual (Testoni). This lead to

the emergence of a new, advanced system that became the solution to solve all problems

regarding the human body structures and organs. Proof of these discoveries lies within the

ancient cultures in which the higher-class became responsible for these necessary treatments

(Berebichez-Fridman). Without their explorations of finding treatments to benefit the nation

physically and internally, the world of medicine would not appear as it does today.

Although no distinct classifications upon the different types of medicine became

established during those times, the people of those eras recognized the variations among the

conditions that appeared (Testoni). Physicians of that time came to the conclusion that society

needed a better developed system that would make the job easier. Without a development to

allocate the necessary treatments needed, these certain conditions would have impacted the

health and safety of the population. It became apparent that the location of stress within each

individual falled on different parts of the body, as well as within different regions in the body

(Emeagwali). As a result of the remarkable evolution of medicine, the branch of Sports Medicine

took its place.

At this time, the social classes of the different populations greatly influenced this new

development. Some civilizations, such as the Egyptians and the Greeks, acquired the imperative

resources that better supported this advancement. The Egyptians, specifically, sustained these

significant medical practices, as well as designated ways to recognize and manage common
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orthopedic conditions, such as muscle or bone pain (Sports Medicine). In addition, they began to

ignite some improvements of the basis of specialized foundations within their new medical

system. The Greeks and Romans subsequently began to study medicine in a systematic manner.

It then became evident that they greatly improved the world’s understanding of orthopedic

anatomy and surgical techniques (Sports Medicine). They compromised together to establish

new procedures and studies that revolutionized the way society handle medical conditions.

The modern term “orthopedics” became established in the 1700s, however orthopedic

principles began to develop and became utilized during prehistoric times. The authentic

objectives for Orthopedic Surgery differs prominently to what then became known as

“Orthopedic Surgery” (Orthopedics). Historians recovered evidences to support that the word

Orthopedic originates among two Greek words; Orthos carrying the definition of straight, or free

from distortion and paidios, meaning a child. The intended purpose of this advancement lies

upon providing the different methods of preventing and correcting the deformities in children. It

then became a matter of where the “deformed” and “wounded” people segregated among the

other citizens of society because they considered these “deformed” and “wounded” people as

unfortunate and incurable (Orthopedics). However, the concerns for the unfortunate people

developed gradually only after the radical philosophical and scientific revolutions that occured in

the Renaissance.

After a period of light progress within the Middle Ages, rapid advancement became noted

during the Renaissance Era. Classifications among the various injuries appeared crucial in

determining the appropriate treatments needed. Improvements in technology efficiency led to

improvements within surgical operations (Sports Medicine). Additionally, the development of

orthopedic hospitals notably highlighted the priorities deemed in this field. Seemingly, these
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advances provided the foundation for modern orthopedics. Orthopedic surgery transforms into a

rapidly developing field that has benefited from the works of numerous scholars and surgeons

(Sports Medicine). The importance of recognizing the successes and failures of the past became

beneficial in order to advance researches and practices. as well as improve patient care and

clinical outcomes.

With restrictions of body movement in one’s life, struggles and hardship appears along

with frustration due to the lack of immunity and capability (Sports Medicine). The primary

solution to this issue falls on an orthopedic surgeon. Their role in this field includes bringing

function to one’s life, even if they have never experienced any bodily movement without

restraint before. Orthopedic surgeons treat patients whose ability of movement has been

compromised and by helping to relieve them of their pains and sufferings (Orthopedics).

Orthopedic surgeons give immeasurable opportunities and life experiences back to their patients

because of their perseverance in their career, and their commitment to their patients.

Sports Medicine became a more common medical field due to the growing ideology of

sports and the great abilities within. This field concerns with treating athletes with critical

conditions, and assisting in retaining their full abilities to attend back to their sport (Emeagwali).

World-class athletes continue to demonstrate the fundamental nature of competition by providing

strong, quick, and inspiring performances (Testoni). The majority of the physicians in this field

ultimately grew up with a passion or liking for sports. These doctors carry the satisfaction of

working hard, initially competing, and helping others. The generic background of sports play a

common role in the purpose of a Sports Medicine specialist. It became noted that many athletes

of this time tend to commonly sustain injuries. Of those injuries, the most stressed falls upon the

musculoskeletal system of the body (Berebichez-Fridman). Based on the involvement of the

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human body within sports, the musculoskeletal system appears at great risk of damage and

exposures to injuries.

This particular body system provides support, stability, and movement to the human

body. It collectively contains the primary skeleton, muscles, and other connective tissue that

supports and binds tissues and organs together (Berebichez-Fridman). Musculoskeletal problems

continue to represent a growing source of death and disability worldwide, particularly with the

growing burden of disease associated with an aging population and increase in the rates of

athletic injuries.Overall, disorders within the musculoskeletal system continue to gain

importance due to the underlying mechanisms of the tissues as well as the diseases and injuries

associated with these tissues. In modern society, many opportunities and restrictions becomes

presented within pushing our bodies to perform in ways that would result in possible, fatal

injuries (Testoni). Without the secure knowledge and studies revolving Sports Medicine, medical

diagnosis would not contain the full potential ability to provide the necessary treatments.

The musculoskeletal system consists of many tissues that regularly become exposed to

biological and mechanical factors. Research programs, both in developed and developing

countries, appear to strongly target these following orthopedic conditions in deep regards to their

populations. It became a critical issue considering the harsh and tremendous impact that it has

established (Career in Orthopaedics). The areas of studies within the field of orthopedics

continues to grow, particularly as the basic body of scientific knowledge and technology

development (Kaur). While these areas for research in orthopedics continue to advance, different

methods and techniques began to develop as well.

In many cases, multiple ways of correcting a patient’s injury have emerged, such as using

medical, physical, and rehabilitative techniques oppose to only using the tradition complex
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surgical methods. “Typically, as much as 50 percent of the orthopedic surgeon’s practice is

devoted to no surgical or medical management of injuries or disease and 50 percent to surgical

management” (Career in Orthopaedics). The majority of surgeons, including orthopedic

surgeons, prefer to choose the least invasive procedures. For example, arthroscopy, a

technological advancement, allows orthopedic surgeons to use special cameras in order to

diagnose and treat a joint with minimal cutting and trauma (Career in Orthopaedics). This

provides evidence of how extensive the studies of Orthopedics can be.

An orthopedic surgeon has extensive training in the proper diagnosis and non-surgical,

as well as surgical, treatment of injuries and diseases involving the musculoskeletal system.

Orthopedic surgeons appears to complete approximately fourteen years of formal education

(Kaur). Along with this, they tend to face multiple obstacles in accomplishing their goals. Some

challenges include obtaining a medical degree, undergoing training after obtaining a medical

degree, and further continuing their medical education (Leong). Medical school traditionally

appears as a four-year program that leads to either a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of

Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.

The educational path to becoming an orthopedic surgeon appears as long and difficult

because of its requirements of a high scholastic aptitude, mechanical ability, a high degree of

manual efficiency, and excellent three-dimensional visualization skills (Career in Orthopaedics).

Naturally one would expect such characteristics for such a prestigious career in the medical field.

The educational path to becoming an orthopedic surgeon starts in high school (Randall). “An

aspiring orthopedic should start preparing in high school with AP and international baccalaureate

courses in science and math, plus related extracurricular activities such as volunteering at a

medical center or blood drive” (Orthopedic Surgeon Education & Training). The end of high
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school marks the beginning of eight challenging and competitive years in becoming admitted

into medical school, then following a successful path leading to graduating medical school.

Deciding to pursue a career as an Orthopedic Surgeon becomes a demanding and long

process due to the rigorous schooling and training one must take part in. It does not appear as an

average job where anyone could commit to. One must obtain true passion in order to succeed

(Kaur). The education to become an Orthopedic Surgeon begins with at least three years of a

bachelor’s degree, including several required science courses that appears as the minimum

schooling a person may take upon having the qualifications for acceptance in medical school

(Orthopedic Surgeon Education & Training). Next the person would take the Medical College

Admission Test (MCAT) before applying to medical school, which takes four years to complete

(Piasecki). Once graduating the aspiring Doctor of Medicine (MD) will need to complete five

years of residency.

Schooling among Orthopedic Surgeons in training accelerates remarkably during the

process. Furthermore, many steps before entering this field places the students pursuing this

career in exhausting however, beneficial obstacles. For instance, a student must fully commit to

four years in earning a pre-medical degree. These appear as prime bachelors of science programs

proposed to meet the prerequisites for admission into a medical college (Kaur). Essentials for

entrance into medical school includes undergraduate studies in the courses of Biology,

Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

In addition, the first two years of these programs prepares for advancement into clinical

courses, also including studies in anatomy, genetics, pharmacology, and neurology (Testoni). To

become board certified, an orthopedic surgeon must undergo a series of peer-review process,

then demonstrate their expertise in orthopedics by passing given examinations given by the
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American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgeon Education & Training). This means

four years of study in a college or university, four years of study and training in medical school,

and five years of concentrated study in an orthopedic residency at a major medical center.

Additionally, these doctors become highly encouraged to attend to a year of specialty training

when studying to become an orthopedic surgeon (Piasecki). Because orthopedic surgeons

complete a rigorous certification process every 10 years, they spend many hours studying and

attending medical education courses to maintain current orthopedic knowledge and skills.

Following graduation from medical school, entering a residency program in orthopedic

surgery appears as the next step. These following programs appears approximately based around

5 years in length (Piasecki). While attendance in training, certain requirements states that

obtaining the role as a new attendant becomes necessary in completing training along general

surgery the first year before beginning the orthopedic surgery training. As presented, entering

this certain field requires the efficiency of managing time and dedication.

The role as a resident includes taking attendance upon lectures and conferences in which

they must discuss certain terms appropriate between the patient and such. A resident additionally

conducts the proper research needed upon caring for their specified patients (Piasecki).

Correspondingly, residents that appear noted to completing clinical rotations in areas, for

example, hand, spine, trauma, and shoulder surgery (Sports Medicine). Residencies in orthopedic

surgery take five years to complete, with applicants far outnumbering available slots. Students

who become interested in orthopedic surgery may look to research potential residency programs

and attempt an elective rotation within one during their third year.

During the first year of the Orthopedic Surgery Residency, six months in nonorthopedic

rotations meets the minimal requirement that enables the appropriate knowledge and skills in
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areas associated with orthopedics (Piasecki). Orthopedic rotations includes the orthopedic trauma

service, pediatric orthopedics and adult reconstruction (Santiago). The trauma services presented

includes determining the accurate sites of the injuries as well as the conditions that appears.

Along with ordinary orthopedics, pediatric orthopedics appears where concerns for injuries to the

musculoskeletal system becomes present among children (Santiago). Between these two

physicians, the only aspect that differentiates from their specialities would include the age of

their patients as well as their rotations. During these rotations, under staff guidance, students

become increasingly familiar with orthopedic literature, care of orthopedic inpatients, surgical

techniques and the evaluation of outpatients, both in the clinic and the emergency room.

Most doctors enter private practice, join a group practice or become employed by a

hospital after completing their residency. Many physicians also choose to earn a board

certification in their specialty after completing their residency (Piasecki). It then becomes

necessary to complete an American Board of Medical Specialties-accredited residency program

to qualify to sit for a board certification exam. By the end of their residency, they must begin to

establish a plan to put their newly acquired skill to work. They become free to seek employment

in private practice or become an employee of a hospital or clinic.

It has become increasingly evident over the past 25 years that a need for statistics on

injury rates for the variety of sports and physical activities in which people of all ages have

participated in must be addressed (O'Brien). The importance of sports in today’s society has

greatly increased, especially in today’s society. The research literature on the epidemiology of

sports-related injuries has been growing slowly as various individuals and groups have attempted

to gather data on the risks of participating in various sports (Santiago). Almost all of these
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attempts have focused on sports in an organized setting, for younger age groups, and have

involved relatively short-term observations.

All things considered, orthopedic surgeons do not just spend all their time repairing

bones. They treat all different kinds of diseases and they work extremely hard to make sure they

have done their job to perfection (O'Brien). The minimal jobs of Orthopedic Surgeons relies on

discovering diseases that they can treat, including bone related diseases, and help neurosurgeons

treat diseases involved with the nervous system, such as brain tumors and neurofibromatosis

(O'Brien). It appears evident that orthopedic surgeons do not just fix bones but they treat a wide

variety of diseases from bone diseases to helping other specialists in treating other related

diseases.

The field of orthopedic research will continue to grow in order to address the increasing

global burden of musculoskeletal injury and disease. New basic scientific discoveries in

biological and mechanical research will continue to advance rapidly, and present opportunities to

bring these new discoveries to the clinic. The complex nature of the musculoskeletal system

requires multidisciplinary collaborations between investigators that possess a wide diversity of

expertise. Although the development of research laboratories and opportunities require extensive

planning and resource development, ultimately basic discoveries have the potential to develop

into translational projects that can impact patient care. Several such discoveries have already

developed into large-scale multinational clinical trials, which becomes the end-goal for basic

science research. No matter what career an individual decides to chase, strong efforts within the

amount of hard work, dedication, and commitment determines the path to success.
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Work Cited

Berebichez-Fridman, Roberto, et al. "The Holy Grail of Orthopedic Surgery:

Mesenchymal Stem Cells—Their Current Uses and Potential Applications." Stem Cells

International, 18 June 2017, pp. 1-14. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1155/2017/2638305.

Blood, Travis D., et al. "Variability in Trauma Case Volume in Orthopedic Surgery

Residents." Orthopedic Reviews, vol. 9, no. 1, Jan. 2017, pp. 1-4. EBSCOhost,

doi:10.4081/or.2017.6967.

"Career in Orthopaedics-OrthoInfo - AAOS." Career in Orthopaedics-OrthoInfo - AAOS.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Oct. 2007. Web. 10 Oct. 2014.

Emeagwali, N. Susan. "The World of Sports Medicine." Techniques: Connecting

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Education and Careers, vol.83, no. 5, 01 May 2008, pp. 16-19. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid=s8455861&

db=eric&AN=EJ793854&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Kaur, Manpreet, et al. "Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge

Regarding Post-Operative Complications of Orthopedic Surgery among Staff Nurses in

Selected Hospitals of Amritsar, Punjab."Nursing & Midwifery Research Journal, vol. 13,

no. 2, Apr. 2017, pp. 87-96. EBSCOhost,

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db=a9h&AN=12632872&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Leong, John C. Y. "Orthopaedic Surgeons Worldwide Must Overcome Hurdles in Their

Career Path." Orthopaedics Today/International Edition, vol. 11, no. 3, May/Jun2008,

pp. 3-4. EBSCOhost,

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db=a9h&AN=31949858&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

"Orthopedics." Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, 2017, p. 1p. 1. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid=s8455861&

db=funk&AN=OR02200&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

"Orthopedic Surgeon Education & Training, Certification." - Orthopedic Surgery. N.p.,

01 Nov. 2001. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.

Piasecki, Dana P. Personal Interview. 12 Feb. 2018

Randall, Rachel M., et al. "Building Physicians with Self-Awareness." Physician

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Leadership Journal, vol. 4, no. 3, May/Jun2017, p. 40. EBSCOhost,

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db=f6h&AN=122809865&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Santiago, Andrea. "Surgeon Career Profile - Overview of Surgeons' Careers and Surgery

Jobs." About.com Health Careers. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.

"Sports Medicine." Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, 2017, p. 1p. 1. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid=s8455861&

db=funk&AN=SP168600&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Testoni, Daniela, et al. "Sports Medicine and Ethics." American Journal of Bioethics, vol.

13, no. 10, Oct. 2013, pp. 4-12. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/15265161.2013.828114.