I'm only an intern right now, so my advice is somewhat limited. However,
I was just in your shoes just a year ago and right now I'm doing ortho, and all the rotators come through my service and work somewhat closely with me. From what I've heard from my seniors, I can say that at my program, residents do have a big say in the rank list. We may not be able to say who gets in, but we can move students up the rank list somewhat, and we can definitely move people who were at the top down the list, or even off the list.

What I'm looking for, and I think this is the same as the other residents, since I"ve discussed the students with them, is what kind of person are they. Is the student someone I can see myself working with, or being my junior resident. Do I enjoy working with them? Do they do things to make my life easier? Are they enthusiastic? Are they a team player? Are they still somewhat humble and respectful? Orthopaedic knowledge isn't huge on my list because that's what you're here to learn, but it's nice to know or see that they've read some things and know a little bit. In the end, just work your ass off because that's all you can do. Not every one fits in everywhere, but you can definitely still get a good letter at all the places you rotate if you work hard.

Dear DingLeBerrY,

Thank you very much for the very candid and informative reply - that helps out ALOT. I think you have some really great points there - especially the last part and it means a whole lot that you took the time to write a reply - thank you.

I guess that is kinda' what I expected but it is nice to hear it and sorta' know for sure what I need to do.

And like you said - I think that even if you don't necessarily fit in if you do what you are supposed to do and do it well and with respect you can at least get a great letter...

Anyway thanks a lot for the advice - it is greatly appreciated.

Jason

I did that rotation last year and I think I posted a review on scutwork. Dr. Gitelis and Dr. Virkus are great surgeons to work with. The rotation is not that busy so i'd recommend helping out on some of the joints while you are there. Dr. Della Valle is one of the joints guys and he would always let you scrub in as well and he is on the admissions board as well as Dr. Virkus so he is someone to know. That seemed like their busiest service and the residents certainly appreciate your help plus you get to do a lot more. as far as reading goes just learn the anatomy of the cases you are going to see ahead of time. There is tons of great anatomy laid out in front of you on this rotation and those would be most of the only questions you will be asked. If you have more questions feel free to send me a private message.

Dear NittNay Lions,

Thanks alot for the reply - appreciate it very much. Any other tips for that rotation? Did you ask Drs. Gitelis and Virkus for letters? If so, what things in specific do you think they are looking for (if different than the general things like attitude and hard work).

Also where did you stay during your rotation and do you happen to know if Dr. Gitelis and/or Virkus have anything to do with resident selection??

Thanks in advance for all your help,

Jason

Sorry - didn't see that you said that Dr. Virkus is on the admissions board.

Thanks again,

Jason

P.S. Does Dr. DellaValle work on their service???

Thanks.

Both Dr. Virkus and DellaValle were on the admissions committe. Dr. DellaValle does some joints on days when the tumor rooms are finished up when I was there but that was when he was new. I did not ask for a letter while I was there because I rotated late in november. I did ask my chief to put a letter in my file which he did and that was remarked on in my interview. I think in general they want someone with good attitued, initiative and who works hard on the rotation, knowledge wasn't hugely tested. If things are the same you will have a presentation to do during your rotation in front of Dr. Virkus so put some time into that.
Good luck!

NittanyLions,

Thanks for all the help - I really appreciate it - it is definitely nice to have all this inside info. prior to going up --- hope is well at Harborview and thanks for everything....let you know how the RUSH elective goes.


Thanks,

Jason

Hey,

Literally finished an AI on that service on friday. Great group of folks. Unfortunately, I can't give you a great deal of constructive advice. I just worked hard and smiled a lot. I only got pimped once and got the question right (Gerdy's tubercle), so I can't really tell you what to read. Dr. Gitelis just offered to write me a letter one day, before I had even decided if I was going to ask anyone, so I got that and may ask one of the other attgs later. You will also work with Jeff Sawyer, who is their peds attg on that service, so you may want to read some pedi stuff.

All in all, these are nice people and this rotation is a trial to see if your personality is compatible with theirs and vice versa. Honestly, don't sweat it. Just tell Ben Crane and Dominic Carreira (who should be your residents) hello for me.

Best,

-Grizzle-

Yo Grizzle -

I am actually here at RUSH right now --- I am standing next to Ben and Dominic right now --- Ben was laughing at your comment --- thanks for the advice and good luck man! They are great guys...everyone here is.


Jason