i think there really is no problem just doing one elective in ortho. sure, you don't get the chance to meet the residents and get your face out there, but if you're a competitive enough applicant then that shows them anyways that you're a hard worker and good enough for the program (i think). i feel that too many people make huge deals out of it and gets everyone riled up in a field where most residents are chill people. hard workers, but chill.

good grades and good boards and a history of strong work help a lot, as long as you are personable and affable on interview day.

i second that. it is required you do at least one month. and it probably should be at your home program, since some places require a letter from your chair.

although, aways are great experiences. id probably do one away additionally, just to see what a different program is like. one of the places i rotated at had a lot of their students wanting ortho... i suspect that was because it was a great program (nice residents, faculty, lifestyle, etc). it kind of sucks for those students because they are led on thinking ortho is like that everywhere.

most people ive run into do 2 aways. some do 3. ive heard of 4, but that seems excessive (not to mention pricey). your numbers are solid. doing one elective is probably enough.

Never forget, there are places which you will have a much poorer chance of interviewing if you do not do an away, if not there, in the general area (ex Northwestern).

I found doing away rotations gave me a real idea of what the program was like, as well as the city. I did 3 rotations- one at my home program, one regionally (mid level program) and one farther away (more difficult program)