At this level, there are no programs that will be more actively recruiting URMs than any other applicants. I think when you are part of a group that is the minority in orthopaedics you need to have great mentors. For female applicants that is the Ruth Jackson Society (
rjos.org ), and for African-Americans there is the J.R. Gladden Society (
www.gladdensociety.org/web/index.html) and Nth Dimensions (
www.nthdimensions.org), and for Latinos there is the (American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons (ALAS). Many of these groups meet every year at the AAOS annual meeting and you will have an opportunity to meet orthopaedic surgeons and residents that share your background and can help guide you through the process. Having a greater than 240 step 1 score, great letters, and honors in your clerkships will only make their jobs easier.