ChiefMD,
I would not be all together discouraged by your experience at one institution, especially if you have had the opportunity to experience Orthopedics somewhere else. Key thing is to find someone within your home department, both at the faculty and the resident level, with whom you connect. A mentor can help you further down the road when you need letters of recommendations, etc. If you enjoy ortho - the procedures, the conditions, the patients - then focus on that.

Hang in there. Don't be discourage by an experience at a teaching institution. Sometimes they are overworked and super busy. Life is frequently much better in the private world. Ortho is a great specialty. However, getting there will take you through some challenging times.

Agree with above comments. I had that feeling at one program I visited as a student, but then at others I was invited to thanksgiving dinner, bbq's, etc...

I agree with bonechic - keep your eye on the prize and focus on the patients. Afterall, ortho is a field that addresses MSK pain and disability, and it offers many patients a path to a more functional and enjoyable life. One day people may come into your clinic in a wheelchair and walk out a few weeks later after a total hip. Ortho is also pretty awesome to learn and read about.

The application process definitely requires a lot of hard work and resiliency. The residency training process will not always be sunshine and puppies. The patient care aspect for me, though, has definitely kept my spirits up this year and made it worth it to match.

Keep your head up chief. Most of us have experienced something similar to what you've described. I know I did. One place I rotated I loved the residents but not the program. Another I loved the program but felt similar to you about the residents and attendings. Just realize that most residents are overworked and tired and medical students are lowest on the totem pole, even if you are doing an away rotation. Don't get discouraged. Use it as a learning experience. Let how you were treated on your rotations factor into your final rank list. If you're not happy rotating you probably wouldn't be happy as a resident.

Again keep you're head up bro. There are plenty of programs where what you described does not happen. I know I ended up at a place where everyone is happy. Keep an open mind, do other away rotations, and go on as many interviews as possible. Ortho is an awesome field. PM me if you have any other questions...I'll be up front and honest about all the programs I have interacted with throughout this whole process.