Orthopedics is one of the most “appealing” for the next three years, and pessimism in the speciality is on the lower end, according to Medscape’s “The Race for Relevance: Medscape Most Popular Specialties for Doctors Report 2026.”
Medscape surveyed 5,916 full-time physicians in the U.S. across 29 specialities from Sept. 5 to Dec. 17.
Three things to know:
1. For the short-term future, 58% of orthopedic surgeons are optimistic. In the long term, that number fell to 48%.
2. Only 17% of orthopedic surgeons felt pessimistic about the specialty’s short-term future. Long term, 33% of orthopedic surgeons feel pessimistic.
3. Still orthopedics was tied with dermatology as the most appealing specialty (54%).
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
