# @nickpappasmd on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DZiGJscJeQQ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/66620469-nickpappasmd-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/d3a07322b9.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-06-13T16:28:02.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Nick Pappas, MD (@nickpappasmd) — https://gondola.cc/nickpappasmd

## Caption

Obviously, this is partly a joke.  Orthopedic surgery is great, and I definitely enjoy it; however, it certainly can be challenging at times, as can any field in medicine.

👉 In my opinion, the hardest part about orthopedics is residency, which is five years long.  In particular, the first two years can be quite grueling, as there is a lot of call and busy intern-type work.  I definitely ate at the hospital cafeteria way more than home.  Around the hospital, I was simply known as “ortho” with very few people knowing my real name “Nick.”

😷 The second year often involves a lot of ER consultations, while in the third through fifth year you spend more time in the operating room 🔨. Overall, it is a great learning experience, but it can be pretty exhausting at times.

💪 Orthopedic surgery really is a blue collar specialty.  One of the main traits we look for in residents is that they are a hard worker.  It is extremely important, as is being a team player.  Having a good maximum bench press and a passion for playing with power tools are secondary.

😷 Once you finish residency, life as an attending is much better.  While you’re still working long hours, it’s less overnight call, and you generally have more time to do things outside of the hospital.

👉 If you're a medical student trying to decide whether orthopedics is right for you, be sure to follow this account.

#orthopedicsurgery #residency #career #medicalstudent

## Stats

- **Views:** 33,725
- **Likes:** 3,979
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 43

## Tags

residency, orthopedicsurgery, medicalstudent, career

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