Signing up for 3rd year electives - suggestions as to which areas would help me become a better ortho candidate? Obviously at least 1 will be with ortho surg, but considered sports med, gen surg, and endocrinology, etc to become a more well rounded applicant. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Focus on lining up as many interviews as possible. This is key.
I would say use all the time you possibly can with different ortho programs rather than the other rotations you mentioned. The reality is, you stand a great deal better chance at getting an interview at programs that know you personally (those that have had a chance to test-drive your knowledge base as well as your personality).
Although it sounds altruistic to be well-rounded, these spots are highly sought after. As such, I wouldn't recommend investing your time on any rotation where I could be planting the priceless seeds at one more program with an ortho rotation there instead. Without spending time with the attendings as well as the residents at a given program, it's a steep grade to get an interview. And without an interview, its unheard of to get a spot.
