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Orthopedics is not a branch you drift into by accident. Most people who choose it already know it’s going to be tough. Long surgeries. Heavy emergency calls. Physical exhaustion. A steep learning curve that doesn’t slow down just because you’re tired.
In the early days, it can feel unforgiving. But Orthopedics has something very few branches offer—you can actually see the impact of your work. A fracture that heals well. A joint that moves again. A patient who walks back into your OPD after months of pain. That feeling stays with you.
If you’re thinking about Orthopedics after MBBS, you’re probably not looking for motivation quotes. You want to know what the degrees are, how training really feels, and whether the effort pays off in India. Let’s talk about it honestly.
MS (Master of Surgery) in Orthopedics
MS – Master of Surgery in Orthopedics is the most common postgraduate degree in this field. It’s a three-year residency conducted in medical colleges recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Orthopedic residency is demanding right from the start. Your days often begin in the emergency room, continue through ward rounds, and end late in the operating theatre. Fractures don’t wait. Trauma doesn’t follow a timetable.
Training usually involves:
- Fracture reduction and trauma care
- Emergency orthopedic procedures
- Assisting and gradually performing surgeries
- OPD decision-making and ward management
Initially, it feels like mostly physical work—lifting limbs, holding retractors, standing for hours. Slowly, though, you start understanding alignment, biomechanics, and why small decisions matter so much in long-term outcomes.
What Life Looks Like After MS Orthopedics?
After completing MS Orthopedics, most doctors work as orthopedic surgeons in hospitals. Many choose to do a senior residency to sharpen their skills further before stepping into independent practice.
With time and experience, surgeons often:
- Join trauma centres or private hospitals
- Build focused interests like trauma, joints, or sports injuries
- Start independent practice after gaining confidence
Orthopedics rewards consistency. Skill grows with repetition, not shortcuts.
DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in Orthopedics
DNB – Diplomate of National Board in Orthopedics is awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). Like MS, it is a three-year postgraduate program and is widely accepted in clinical practice.
DNB Orthopedics training usually happens in busy hospitals with heavy trauma loads. This means real responsibility early on. You see a lot. You do a lot. And you learn quickly—sometimes the hard way.
Many DNB residents become very confident with fracture management because they’re exposed to large volumes of trauma cases.
After completing DNB Orthopedics, doctors commonly:
- Work as orthopedic consultants
- Join trauma hospitals and emergency centres
- Enter academics after meeting the eligibility norms
- Pursue fellowships
In real-world Orthopedics, outcomes matter more than degree titles. A well-fixed fracture speaks for itself.
Diploma Courses in Orthopedics: The Current Reality
Earlier, D.Ortho (Diploma in Orthopedics) was a two-year postgraduate option. Over time, this pathway has largely been phased out.
Doctors who already hold a diploma continue to practice, often after gaining experience or upgrading their qualifications. For new MBBS graduates today, MS or DNB Orthopedics is the more secure path.
What Comes After Postgraduate Orthopedics?
Many orthopedic surgeons choose to specialise further after PG. Some common directions include:
- Trauma and fracture surgery
- Joint replacement (arthroplasty)
- Sports injuries
- Spine surgery
- Hand and microsurgery
These areas need additional training, but they allow you to develop depth and long-term expertise.
Who Is Orthopedics Really Meant For?
Orthopedics suits doctors who:
- Enjoy hands-on surgical work
- Don’t shy away from physical effort
- Like understanding anatomy and mechanics
- Are patient enough to improve steadily over time
It’s not a branch for instant results. But if you stick with it, the rewards are very real.
Conclusion:
Choosing between MS (Master of Surgery) Orthopedics and DNB (Diplomate of National Board) Orthopedics matters—but choosing Orthopedics with the right expectations matters even more.
If you’re willing to put in the hours, accept the learning curve, and grow slowly but surely, Orthopedics offers a career where your work genuinely changes how people live their lives.
