I know that ortho residency is a kick in the butt and you have very little free time (relative to before). What is it like after residency in the real world? Is it work work work like resdency? I know many orthopedics that work just as hard in their practices. I am interested in working with Doctors Without Borders in the future and also enjoy traveling quite a bit. Is this possible being an orthopedic surgeon? What are your schedules like? Vacation time? Thanks for any help.
Life after residency will be what you make of it based on job selection. You need to find the job that works for you. I would suggest that you read through this previous thread.
As for vacation issues, that will definitely vary with your group. I typically take about six weeks off a year. However, taking more than two weeks in a row is a significant disruption to your practice and to your partners as they will have to see some of your patients and take more call while you're gone.
