I agree with the statements above except one thing: if you have an opportunity to do an ortho rotation at a home/friendly program, do it. This also includes doing a little extra time with a community ortho guy that wouldn't mind having a student tag along one or two times a week. One of our interns did that and he shined in his away rotation cause he knew what he was doing. On the other hand, we have had a few medical students at my institution that have never done an ortho rotation and it showed negatively in their favor. So that being said, if you know what you are doing you should be fine. In my opinion, for whatever that is worth, the key to a good rotation is to show up, not complain, work hard, get along with the residents, and don't be an a-hole. And to elaborate on the last part, don't try to show up other students/residents with knowledge or skills, especially in front of an attending. While it may impress the attending, it only reflects negatively on you from everyone else's standpoint; most importantly the residents who usually end up making the rank list. All simple things but you'd be amazed at how many students don't understand that. So good luck to you. Trust me, if I can match at my #1 spot, anyone can.
