Physical Demands

i think i want to meet the 5'9", 125 lb girl...where did she go?????

Yes.



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BoneHard
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Yes, Obra, it is a well known scientific fact that you can't put in a total knee unless you can "bench more than a gnat" like hardboner above. I think he can at least bench more than a rat. You should hit the gym now, and not even THINK about applying to ortho until you can bench over 350 lbs. I also think you should get your squat over 400 before you could consider yourself a candidate to become a resident at a "big northeast program". And above all, DON'T be a "tool".

Well said..........................
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Wise words, Earthdawg



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BoneHard
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I'm more worried about my height. I'm only 5'9", but can bench about 290. Every ortho resident I've seen has been taller than me.
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I'm 5'8" and a swimmer...and a girl. I'm as tall as or taller than the majority of residents at my home program, including the guys, and I was taller than a good number of attendings with whom I interviewed on the trail. I think that your height should be the least of your worries; they make steps and adjustable OR tables for a reason! I do agree, though, that grip and forearm strength are a huge advantage...moreso than benching in the 350 Club.
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I've been reading this ... very amused. The "jacked" guys are like that partly because of ego not necessity. I am a 5'4" 105lb female in year 4 of my residency. Yes, I am stronger than most girls (and many guys) my size and yes I run/rock climb - but come on, at 105lbs I am certainly not even close to the 'typical' ortho res even with my heaviest winter gear. As the smallest person in the program, I believe I have held my own just fine. I have held and manipulated the legs in the 350 lb THA patient and lived to tell about it. Twice I haven't been able to reduce a hip dislocation, but then each time our 240lb chairman and a 220 muscular resident couldn't either. So, no you don't have to be "jacked" but you also can't be a wimp. It's also a lot of forearm, back, and appropriate use of lever arms. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't . This is an awesome job so go for it. Besides, it is SO much fun to prove everyone wrong that doubts you because of size !!
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my strength is purely ego!!!

its a physically demanding job, period. as previously mentioned, endurance and forearm strength are probably most important. your average medical student (be it male or female) does not have what it takes (physically) to do the job. every applicant i've ever seen has an athletic background of some sort. maybe there are exceptions, but certainly not the norm.