I wouldn't sweat your grades in the first year that much. The grades themselves I don't think are very important. From talking with my advisor about things, it doesn't seem like anyone cares what you got in Biochemistry, et al. However, I was surprised that a lot of basic science stuff from first year was on the boards. So while those grades probably aren't going to hurt you on their own, not knowing that material may hurt on the boards.

What I'm getting at is that the impression I've gotten is that basic science grades have little if any importance for orthopedic residency, but the better you know that material, the better you'll be able to do when it really counts on the boards. You already mentioned doing well on Step I and 3rd year rotations, and those are far, far more important as to your candidacy from what I understand. The lower grades may decrease your chances at being AOA, depending on how your school selects people, but you can do it without AOA.

Other things you can do are research, which you are, get good letters from your clinical years from orthopedic surgeons, and do well clinically on your rotations. Bottom line is if you're really that much into ortho, work hard and don't let anyone tell you that you can't.

rwbrhp29

Do not sweat it. I had a similar experience and matched at my first choice. Poor grades my first year due to life circumstances, picked it up a little second year. Just try to rock the boards. Remember that the top medical schools do not have grades in MS1 and MS2 years, so the boards are the way to compare people. On that note, do Q-bank after you finish your second year. The best way to study for step I is to rock your path final. Then just try to honor as many clerkships as you can. This will be reflected in your dean's letter. I would rec. that you use a letter from your research prof along with others. Best of luck.

The best thing you can do is rock Step I & II to show that you have learned that material well. Doing away rotations and performing well will go a long way. If you do well on an externship and fit in with a program, they will tend to look past your numbers. I have seen many externs and have found little correlation between their numbers and performance, except for those at the extremes. It's kind of like pro sports drafts where there are some first round busts and some undrafted all-stars. Don't be too discouraged at this point, you're still early in the game, just need to finish strong. Also show your strong interest in ortho just being around a lot without being the annoying student. A good letter from the Ortho Chairman can also be very helpful Research certainly helps as ortho is becoming a more academic discilpine and will get your foot in many doors if you get published. If you have the passion and the talent you should have little difficulty suceeding.