Assuming you have enrolled in a university, gotten at least above a 3.5 GPA, got above a 500 on the MCAT, and applied and got into medical school, you are now beginning step 3 of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. That is completing medical school. When choosing your medical school, students generally want to choose a program that has a track record of placing students in orthopedic surgery residencies. After finishing your 4 year undergraduate program, I have good news for you! You get to begin a fresh new 4 year program. The medical school program is structured into two different parts. The first part involves learning in a classroom setting and in labs on how to treat patients. Essentially you are beginning by learning more logistical things and practicing these in a hands off environment. However, the last part involves applying what you have learned in the previous two years by placing you in a clinical setting where you learn to apply your new medical knowledge through rotations and clinics. While you are in medical school, you must be aware of the United States Medical Licensing Examination that requires you to complete part 1 before your third year and part 2 during your fourth year. While in medical school, students typically applying for residency either during or early in their fourth year. So keep in mind that you must be prepared for the next step prior to graduating!