Do you aspire to have your own practice one day? If so, what about business ownership interests you?
A 2020 NIH abstract shows that the number of orthopedic surgeons in solo practices is a low 7.4%, with 1,595 orthopedic surgeons owning their practice. Most orthopedic surgeons work for other institutions rather than own their own practice due to the start-up costs of starting a business and the financial instability of running a business. The interviewers ask this question to understand your career goals and where you see yourself working after completing your residency and/or fellowship. If you do not plan to own your own business, explain why. If you would like to start a practice in the future, describe why business ownership appeals to you.
"No, I do not plan on having my own practice one day. While I consider myself an entrepreneur and love the idea of owning a business, the thought of starting a practice does not interest me. Working in a hospital or established surgical group is more appealing because I want to focus on being an orthopedic surgeon rather than a business owner."
