Hi there!
Are there any successful UK/Irish students/grads here who have matched into a US Ortho residency, either recently or in the past? If so, do you have any hints, tips or wisdom to pass on to a UK third year student hoping to take part in the 2013 Match?
I'm a third year student in a competitive UK medical school with a particularly strong Orthopaedic and trauma department and US connections. I recently had an absolute blast on my four week Orthopaedic rotation with a top-notch consultant (attending) who is now my Ortho mentor. My rotation was very hands-on and I got to scrub in and assist with various trauma and arthoplasty cases. In addition to the usual cutting, suturing, diathermy, suction, retraction and holding of various body parts, I got do some drilling, measure out and put in screws, assist with hip reductions, get a feel for knee scopes etc. The hours flew by and after a long day, I couldn't wait to be back the following morning. Amazing stuff. Really enjoyed learning from Ortho surgeons in the OR, the teamwork aspect of patient care and getting my hands dirty. Following patients was interesting since the operations made a distinct difference to their lives.
I've talked stuff through with my mentor after receiving encouraging feedback and decided that Ortho is the career path I want to pursue. Ortho appeals to me because of the blend of technical and active nature of surgeries, 3D visualization of anatomy, use of imaging and provision of tangible results - not to mention the combination of camaraderie in an Ortho team (great personalities and best people!) and high standards. Since finishing the rotation, I've started a surgical log book and been going back to the Ortho theatres (ORs) whenever possible to learn as much as I can and help out when an extra pair of hands is needed.
I'd like to do my residency in the US after finishing medical school (5 year program). I know Ortho is beyond competitive but I will give it my best shot. I have a previous published group project in anesthesia but I've set up a fourth year Ortho project with my mentor early in fourth year and will be working to get it published. I'll also be taking Step 1 and Step 2 CK next academic year. I know I need to ace them. I plan to do at least 3 rotations and get US LORs in the summer between my fourth and fifth year before Sept 2012, mostly at places where my mentor has connections. While doing US rotations, I will also take Step 2 CS. Any hints, tips or wisdom on how to succeed in matching to a US ortho residency?
Are there any successful UK/Irish students/grads here who have matched into a US Ortho residency, either recently or in the past? If so, do you have any hints, tips or wisdom to pass on to a UK third year student hoping to take part in the 2013 Match?
I'm a third year student in a competitive UK medical school with a particularly strong Orthopaedic and trauma department and US connections. I recently had an absolute blast on my four week Orthopaedic rotation with a top-notch consultant (attending) who is now my Ortho mentor. My rotation was very hands-on and I got to scrub in and assist with various trauma and arthoplasty cases. In addition to the usual cutting, suturing, diathermy, suction, retraction and holding of various body parts, I got do some drilling, measure out and put in screws, assist with hip reductions, get a feel for knee scopes etc. The hours flew by and after a long day, I couldn't wait to be back the following morning. Amazing stuff. Really enjoyed learning from Ortho surgeons in the OR, the teamwork aspect of patient care and getting my hands dirty. Following patients was interesting since the operations made a distinct difference to their lives.
I've talked stuff through with my mentor after receiving encouraging feedback and decided that Ortho is the career path I want to pursue. Ortho appeals to me because of the blend of technical and active nature of surgeries, 3D visualization of anatomy, use of imaging and provision of tangible results - not to mention the combination of camaraderie in an Ortho team (great personalities and best people!) and high standards. Since finishing the rotation, I've started a surgical log book and been going back to the Ortho theatres (ORs) whenever possible to learn as much as I can and help out when an extra pair of hands is needed.
I'd like to do my residency in the US after finishing medical school (5 year program). I know Ortho is beyond competitive but I will give it my best shot. I have a previous published group project in anesthesia but I've set up a fourth year Ortho project with my mentor early in fourth year and will be working to get it published. I'll also be taking Step 1 and Step 2 CK next academic year. I know I need to ace them. I plan to do at least 3 rotations and get US LORs in the summer between my fourth and fifth year before Sept 2012, mostly at places where my mentor has connections. While doing US rotations, I will also take Step 2 CS. Any hints, tips or wisdom on how to succeed in matching to a US ortho residency?