Over past decade, the orthopedic job market has changed in a number of ways, according to an AAOS Annual Meeting poster presentation.
Researchers analyzed orthopedic job opportunities advertised in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery from 2000 to 2012. Only full-time positions within the United States were included.
Here are six key trends according to the poster:
1. A total of 4,248 orthopedic job opportunities were recorded from 2000 to 2012.
2. Job postings calling for mandatory fellowship training increased significantly, from 42 percent of postings in 2000 to 77 percent of postings in 2012.
3. Academic job opportunities also increased from 31 percent of postings in 2000 to 59 percent in 2012.
4. Thirty-six percent specified general orthopedics, making this the most popular category.
5. After general orthopedics, the top five popular categories with regard to specialty areas were:
• Hand — 10.4 percent
• Spine — 10.2 percent
• Arthroplasty — 9.7 percent
• Foot and ankle — 9.1 percent
• Trauma — 8.4 percent
6. The demand for arthroplasty, pediatrics and shoulder and elbow surgeons has increased over the past 12 years, while the demand for general orthopedists and spine specialists has decreased.