That's cause black people are awesome ,

No seriously, I am an african american ortho intern. First off, some of the reasons that three is a lack of color is in-part many of the same reasons that there is a lack of "sugar and spice" i.e. women. . . . .Ortho is still over coming that whole "old boys club" thing. some programs are more progressive than others however. Also, it may be a reflection of the number of AA's in med skool period. There were about 18 in my graduating class (and our school is well known for it's racial diversity). Furthermore, there's a scarcity of minority faces in every specialty. But I'm happy to see that things are changing.

"EVERY" African American Ortho attending?
Are there really that many or do you mean 1 or 2 vs. the entire dept.?
I'm really curious now...
Does your ortho dept. have many women as well...
Where is this mecca of diversity?... :pimp:

I agree with the comments made by the previous posts -- In MY EXPERIENCE, minority doctors tend to be much more friendly and student centered than non-minorities.

I am a minority myself, looking into pursuing orthopedic surgery.

I have not had luck finding any minority orthopedic surgeons to be mentored by...so it's challenging. I do think that many students don't even think of it because the stigma of being an "all white/jocks club"....

if anyone knows of diverse programs, please private me!!




thanks

Im a mexican going into ortho next year. The only one from my school. Most minorities want to go into primary care to work with our people etc etc. but they forget that minorities are needed in specialties as well. I go to so cal. My first day in ortho clinic everyone loved me because i was the only dam person besides 1 other worker that spoke spanish. In the or it doesnt matter though they are all asleep.

Ne ways I buffed up to fit the ortho stereo type of WHite Boys Jock and Meat heads. Im trying to bleach my skin too Hope this helps land that top residency!!

I think its a combo of the previously mentioned factors. we get about 300 or so applications, and we are lucky if about 10% are african american. Similar for women, but much more in recent years.

BMP, I hope you realize that many programs do not fall into the "big white womanizing jock" stereotype.

Ortopeda, I believe what you say may be true in your experience. To offer a counterpoint, for discussion's sake, thinking back the three biggest asshole attendings I have ever worked with/interacted with were all minorities.

I think this should all be kept in perspective, b/c as a whole ortho attendings and residents are just about the coolest, most laid back people in the hospital. Every field has their bad apples.

I definitely agree, there are a lot of bitter minority doctors, who just have the attitude to prove everyone wrong.....which may or may not be always the case. I have learned, the hard way, to move beyond what my colleagues may or may not think, and just do the best for my patients -- bc those are whom I am serving! there's different colors and flavors in life

mr. BMP Mex-American, please don't be White washed as to try to get into a residency program -- that's just lame. and not being true to yourself reflects poorly on your character. I do agree speaking Spanish and understanding the minority culture and ways of being is a MUST.
I always think back to one of my attendings during a shadowing experience when an ortho doc was telling a black woman that part of her therapy MUST ONLY involve swimming in a local pool -- when I looked at her, I was like, no this white doctor is not asking a black woman with braids to go swimming 3-4 times a week in a pool where her hair is going to be messed up!!!

I am definitely never going to be the "all American White Jock" but will be an Orthopedic Surgeon!

Peace

opeda: dude it was a joke man. I dont think that being buff will get me into a residency program just for the record dont act like such a dorky med student man..be cool. Good luck in your ortho quest though. late

I was joking back, peace down in LA