Author Comment OrthoDoc Administrator (2/6/00 4:05:44 pm) Reply Old Post: How to prepare for 1st orthopedic elective? This message was posted by John, posted on April 01, 1999 coming from wisc.edu This message is a reply to Ortho Residency. posted from DYU posted at March 29, 1999 > I am a first year medical student. I am interested in being an orthopod. > What are the things to expect out of my first orthopaedic elective, and how do I prepare for it? ================ It's hard to know what to expect when you don't know what particular service you're going to be on. In general, you should be helpful, be interested, and be well prepared. You should be familiar with the basic orthopedic exam. You should also have a good grasp on the anatomy of the area you're working with. It's also nice to see students who do outside reading and try to understand the basics of the disease process and treatments of the cases you're seeing. The first rotation as a student is mostly a time to learn what Orthopedics is about. An elective fourth year rotation will be more important when it comes to generating letters of recommendation. anasar Unregistered User (3/17/00 1:33:46 pm) Reply Preparing for first Ortho Rotation If you have time to read, i would recommend reading ORTHOPAEDICS: HOUSE OFFICER SERIES Second Edition (or the first) By Aluisio, Christensen, & Urbaniak Published by Williams & Wilkins it covers the basics well and is concise. good luck, alan anasar Unregistered User (3/17/00 1:36:55 pm) Reply Preparing for first Ortho Rotation If you have time to read, i would recommend Orthopaedics, House Officer Series. It is an excellent, concise book that covers what you will need to know to be a competent 1st & 2nd year resident so it is perfect for a student trying to impress a program. Good Luck, Alan Bob Local user (3/18/00 12:11:57 pm) Reply Re: How to prepare A book that I found more readable than the House Officer Series was Essentials of Orthopaedic Surgery by Wiesel. It's worth a read. Good Luck, Bob Chief Resident Unregistered User (3/23/00 7:49:25 am) Reply How to really do well on a Sub I rotation!! I've seen a bunch of Sub I's come and go now and not everyone can do this even when you spell it out but here it is.... You must be available. - this means you dont leave the junior residents side during the day and you have a beeper and probably should be in house when you take call. - TAKE ALL THE CALL YOU CAN HANDLE. - during the day don't wander off at all. - always be the one to volunteer to stay, etc. On rounds - get there a few minutes early, look up labs, etc. - you must write notes so make sure you are there early collect the charts, get vitals - have a big basket of dressing supplies, scissors, tape etc waiting. Be well read - the best source on what to read is the chief resident on your service. but you need to get the schedule for the week ahead of time and ask them what you should read. - general things to read are ANATOMY AND PHYSICAL EXAM. forget anything else. - you read everything for every conference. In clinic - after the first few patients. SEE PATIENTS ON YOUR OWN AND PRESENT TO THE CHIEF OR TO THE ATTENDING. this really makes a big impression. - make sure you keep your presentations concise. work on this if you aren't good at it. In the OR - dont be afraid to ask questions or ask to touch / feel anything that the attending is showing the residents even though you are in the back row. - HOWEVER, do not ask stupid questions just because you feel like you haven't said enough during the case. - shell out OP notes ahead of time and have it waiting Ancillary personnel - ***Do not ever treat nurses, scrub nurses, other people in the hospital badly. We have had many candidates not ranked because the people in the OR told our staff that they threw things on the floor repeatedly when they were asked not to. Introduce yourself to the ancillary people and offer to get your own gloves, gown, etc. If they decide they like you, they'll start getting them for you!!!******* Finally - Be enthusiastic, but dont suck up. People can tell the difference. - "FIT" in a program is the biggest thing. Try to get out and have a beer with the residents. - Not every program is a good fit for every applicant so don't feel bad. You can still do a great job on service and get good letters though. Good luck Scott Silverstein MD Chief Resident West Virginia University Orthopedics doc_scott@yahoo.com