While it's not impossible for a Caribbean student to match into orthopaedics, it takes an enormous effort to secure a spot. Of the few I know of, they all did multiple research years after graduating (between 2 and 4 years off). They had great board scores and grades. Dozens of publications. Worked crazy hours during their research years (6 days a week, 10-14 hour days). And for all of that, most of them got 1 or 2 interviews. They said they had some friends who were not so lucky, and never matched.
Honestly, in my opinion, it's not worth the risk and the emotional and physical investment. I give a ton of credit to the Caribbean students who matched into orthopaedics, but they are the exception and not the rule.
If you like surgery and/or sports medicine, matching into general surgery or PM&R is much more attainable for a Caribbean grad.
