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OrthoDoc
Administrator
(2/6/00 4:05:44 pm)
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Old Post: How to prepare for 1st orthopedic elective?
This message was posted by John, posted on April 01, 1999 coming from wisc.edu
This message is a reply to Ortho Residency. posted from DYU posted at March 29, 1999
> I am a first year medical student. I am interested in being an orthopod.
> What are the things to expect out of my first orthopaedic elective, and how do I prepare for it?
================
It's hard to know what to expect when you don't know what particular service you're going to be on. In
general, you should be helpful, be interested, and be well prepared. You should be familiar with the basic
orthopedic exam. You should also have a good grasp on the anatomy of the area you're working with. It's also
nice to see students who do outside reading and try to understand the basics of the disease process and
treatments of the cases you're seeing. The first rotation as a student is mostly a time to learn what
Orthopedics is about. An elective fourth year rotation will be more important when it comes to generating
letters of recommendation.
anasar
Unregistered User
(3/17/00 1:33:46 pm)
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Preparing for first Ortho Rotation
If you have time to read, i would recommend reading ORTHOPAEDICS: HOUSE OFFICER SERIES
Second Edition (or the first)
By Aluisio, Christensen, & Urbaniak
Published by Williams & Wilkins
it covers the basics well and is concise.
good luck,
alan
anasar
Unregistered User
(3/17/00 1:36:55 pm)
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Preparing for first Ortho Rotation
If you have time to read, i would recommend Orthopaedics, House Officer Series. It is an excellent, concise
book that covers what you will need to know to be a competent 1st & 2nd year resident so it is perfect for a
student trying to impress a program.
Good Luck,
Alan
Bob
Local user
(3/18/00 12:11:57 pm)
Reply
Re: How to prepare
A book that I found more readable than the House Officer Series was Essentials of Orthopaedic Surgery by
Wiesel. It's worth a read.
Good Luck,
Bob
Chief Resident
Unregistered User
(3/23/00 7:49:25 am)
Reply
How to really do well on a Sub I rotation!!
I've seen a bunch of Sub I's come and go now and not
everyone can do this even when you spell it out but here
it is....
You must be available.
- this means you dont leave the junior residents side
during the day and you have a beeper and probably
should be in house when you take call.
- TAKE ALL THE CALL YOU CAN HANDLE.
- during the day don't wander off at all.
- always be the one to volunteer to stay, etc.
On rounds
- get there a few minutes early, look up labs, etc.
- you must write notes so make sure you are there early
collect the charts, get vitals
- have a big basket of dressing supplies, scissors, tape
etc waiting.
Be well read
- the best source on what to read is the chief resident on
your service. but you need to get the schedule for the
week ahead of time and ask them what you should read.
- general things to read are ANATOMY AND PHYSICAL
EXAM. forget anything else.
- you read everything for every conference.
In clinic
- after the first few patients. SEE PATIENTS ON YOUR OWN
AND PRESENT TO THE CHIEF OR TO THE ATTENDING.
this really makes a big impression.
- make sure you keep your presentations concise. work on
this if you aren't good at it.
In the OR
- dont be afraid to ask questions or ask to touch / feel
anything that the attending is showing the residents
even though you are in the back row.
- HOWEVER, do not ask stupid questions just because you
feel like you haven't said enough during the case.
- shell out OP notes ahead of time and have it waiting
Ancillary personnel
- ***Do not ever treat nurses, scrub nurses, other people
in the hospital badly. We have had many candidates
not ranked because the people in the OR told our staff
that they threw things on the floor repeatedly when
they were asked not to. Introduce yourself to the ancillary
people and offer to get your own gloves, gown, etc.
If they decide they like you, they'll start getting them for
you!!!*******
Finally
- Be enthusiastic, but dont suck up. People can tell the
difference.
- "FIT" in a program is the biggest thing. Try to get out
and have a beer with the residents.
- Not every program is a good fit for every applicant so
don't feel bad. You can still do a great job on service
and get good letters though.
Good luck
Scott Silverstein MD
Chief Resident
West Virginia University Orthopedics
[url=mailto]
[email protected][/url]
