What is A Hand Surgeon?

In general, physicians complete a 4 year undergraduate degree with majors that vary from biology to architectural design.
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) remains the standard by which physicians are accepted into a 4 year medical school where courses include anatomy and physiology, pathology, and microbiology amongst others during the first 2 years followed by clinical exposure during the latter 2 years.
It is during the final 2 years that physicians-to-be make a decision about the specialty they would like to pursue following graduation.

Becoming a hand surgeon requires a residency in either orthopedic surgery (5 years), general surgery (5 years), or plastic surgery (commonly 6 years). In addition, a 1 year fellowship specific to hand or hand/upper extremity surgery is required after residency to sub-specialize as a hand surgeon.

Most hand surgeons then become board certified in their specific surgical specialty but a few, like Dr. Worrell, decide to get the equivalent of board certification in hand surgery as well.

Hand surgeons vary in their areas of interest with some spending most of their time in academics, some focusing on microvascular and nerve pathology, while others enjoy trauma, sports and work related conditions, and general care of the upper extremity.

Specific to orthopedic hand surgeons such as Dr. Worrell, as you consider your options in choosing a specialist, you may consider the following:

1. Does your surgeon specialize in hand/upper extremity
surgery or do they consider themself a “general” orthopedic
surgeon treating all aspects of orthopedic conditions including
knees and hips?

2. Has your surgeon completed a hand fellowship?

3. Has your hand surgeon received his/her Certificate of
Added Qualification in hand surgery?

4. Does your hand surgeon have any areas of interest or
expertise and do they align with your condition?

5. Is your hand surgeon accessible and personable?