Orthopedics

Catalog description

This elective clinical learning experience takes place in both the clinic and hospital settings. Students are assigned to work directly with attending physicians and/or physician assistants in conjunction with the health care team in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Students develop proficiency in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of orthopedic problems in the adult and pediatric populations. They have the opportunity to observe and “scrub in” to assist in orthopedic surgical cases, to reinforce knowledge of sterile technique and the proper use of surgical instruments, and to participate in preoperative and postoperative management of the orthopedic patient. Students attend rounds, grand rounds, scheduled lectures, and conferences while on the Orthopedic Surgery service. Students are expected to analyze and synthesize medical information, to reason independently, and to apply the concepts of medical decision-making and problem-solving to complex patient presentations. Students may be required to write a clinical research paper on a relevant topic or case or take a comprehensive exam.