Here is a post I made in a similar forum (I'm sure most of you know where) concering my thoughts on the various ortho programs. Obviously this is strictly in my own opinion but I know how tough DO ortho info is to come by these days.
Grandview-always been considered a "top notch" program. Did not rotate here but have a classmate whom will be there next year and he gunned hard. Plenty of specialties including strong hand. Definitely have to gun here to be noticed. Like board scores, and from what I hear, base students are not given a preference...they are on even playing field with everyone. Once again, I cannot emphasize the gunning here. Unsure about didactics.
Doctor's Hospital-Columbus- Where I will be next year. So of course, I'm gonna tout the program. The big things here for me 1) They have ALL specialties..definitely a rarity in the osteo world 2) you can do all of your rotations/specialties in columbus 3) you do quite a bit at a level 1 trauma center, which is big to me and another rarity in the DO world 4) strong didactics. They do like board scores. Another place you HAVE to gun. We had 8-9 guys on service when I was there so do something to standout. Get FACE TIME. This was my #1 and am pretty stoked. I cannot say enough about how cool the residents are here. They will pimp but not to make you look like a jack***; just to teach you something and to find out what you know. They are easy to get along with and work hard/play hard.
Ingham-Don't know much but had a buddy rotate through up there and said it was all ortho hospitals and pretty hardcore. Do rotation(s) at Northwestern which can't be bad.
Des Peres- two words: board scores. You don't have 'em, don't bother.
PCOM-Great hospitals. They tend to favor PCOM basers but on the upside, I think they take 6/year which helps. I have heard that PCOM kids based there whom want ortho there start gunning from day 1..this may put you at a disadvantage (I.E. those of you not from PCOM).
Genesys-Have a ton of specialties, operate more than any hospital I went through. Beautiful hospital and great residents. Didactics are a little weak and somewhat disorganized. Gunning isn't so big here as others. Unsure of emphasis on boards.
South Pointe- Great residents, great attendings and good didactics. Lacking in hand and spine with limited number of cases in other areas. Great trauma and general ortho. Not so big on gunning but that may change with next years chief's. Not too heavy on boards. One of my favorite programs. Have another buddy who will be here next year. The director here is a standout-type of guy who fights to the death for his residents. Word is they may be attaining another hospital heavy on trauma.
Massillon-Great community hospital with great attendings. Good didactics with plenty of OR time in a variety of cases. Have to gun here...heavy on boards. Residents will pimp you pretty hard. Another buddy of mine will be here next year.
Toledo-Have to gun hard here. Have two buddies who will be here next year. I have heard it's a level one trauma center but they clash with MD ortho residents for trauma..but not totally sure. HEAVY on boards...i.e. the director will straight up ask you what you got..as will the secretary when you try to schedule a rotation!
These are the programs I know the most about..I hope this helps with any questions anyone might have. I will comment a little on what I believe is important in ANY ortho rotation
1) Work hard and enjoy what your doing
2) Crush boards, as this will open MANY doors to those programs which you didn't rotate at. I rotated through 4 programs and ended up with..I think 12 interviews. If you score 600+, your in pretty good shape
3) Get face time with the director and, if possible, ALL attendings
4) Know your ortho COLD. "The guy next to you gunning knows more than me"- if you keep telling yourself that, your drive to keep reading every night will stay up.
5) dominate first two years of med school...get high class rank
6) get INFLUENTIAL letters. Letters from the right people can get you a long way.
7)Don't lose track of why your doing this.....if you question yourself, this may not be your specialty.
Probably one of the most important- know your role. Don't be answering questions if a resident doesn't know it unless directly asked. Don't be annoying. There is such a fine-line between being there and busting your but, staying late, taking call and being there too much. If the residents have a say and they all agree you were a little too much, that can hurt you I can't say how you do this---on this one, to each his own.
9) schedule rotations as close as possible to interview time. I know this isn't possible for all of them but you may want to do your top choice near interview time so your face is fresh.
In all, I rotated at 4 different programs, ended up getting 12 interviews, went on 3 and got offered 2 spots, including my top choice (Doctor's/Columbus). Remember-the best program is what fits you and most importantly, the one you get into.
All right...I'm done. Sorry to write a book but like I said, you guys out there wanting ortho deserve a heads up and I will do anything to help you guys/girls out. Hope this helps and good luck...maybe I'll see a couple of ya comin through.
Cheers-
Nate
