In orthopedics, the advice often given is to “follow your passion.” While passion is important, it’s not enough to guarantee success, especially in such a specialized and challenging field. A more strategic approach involves finding and addressing an unsolved clinical need within orthopedics.
Many start their careers in this industry driven by a love for a particular specialty—whether it’s spine, sports medicine, or joint replacement. However, focusing solely on what you love might not lead you to the most impactful work or the greatest opportunities. Instead, the key is to identify a clinical gap or an unmet need that hasn’t yet been solved effectively.
Why is this approach so crucial? Because success in orthopedics—or any medical field—is not just about doing what you love. It’s about solving real problems that significantly impact patients’ lives. These are the problems that the market and medical community truly value.
Here’s the truth: The world doesn’t necessarily need another passionate spine specialist. What it desperately needs is innovative solutions to the persistent challenges that surgeons, patients, and healthcare systems face. These could be solutions for faster recovery times, less invasive procedures, better pain management, or addressing the root causes of conditions like osteoarthritis.
To build a meaningful and successful career in orthopedics, start by asking yourself:
- What are the pressing clinical problems that aren’t being adequately addressed?
- Where do patients and surgeons face the most frustration or challenges?
- What solutions could make a real difference in outcomes or quality of life?
Read my starter list of unmet clinical needs here – https://orthostreams.com/2021/03/unmet/
Once you identify these areas, then align them with your skills, interests, and expertise. This approach allows you to work on something that not only excites you but also meets a significant need in the field. This is where true innovation and career success happen—in the overlap between unsolved clinical needs and your unique abilities.
So, instead of starting with your passion, start with the problem. Find that unsolved clinical need in orthopedics that you can uniquely address. Passion will follow when you’re working on something that truly matters. And in solving these critical problems, you’ll not only build a successful career but also contribute something valuable to the world.
If you’ve experienced this shift in your approach or are struggling to find your niche, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s explore how focusing on unsolved clinical needs can transform your career in orthopedics.