Hello All,
I am applying to medical school this year, planning on entering Fall 2012! I have always had a passion for Orthopedics, which grew even the more while sitting in surgeries and job shadowing Opods! I would like some advice in what needs to be done to make sure I match into this specialty when the time comes, starting from year 1!? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance....
Before anyone jumps on you with sarcasm I'll try to give you a few pointers. First off - keep an open mind. Even as I start my ortho residency, I've realized how huge a difference there is between orthopaedic surgery as an observer (even a 4th year med student) and a resident. Take every chance you get to work with orthopods between now and then, but also see some of the other surgical (and non-surgical) specialties.
I think most people decide pretty confidently (and early) in their medical career that they either love or hate the OR and the time/work of being a surgeon. You may hate it and you don't need to feel bad for pursuing something else. If you love it, make sure ortho is what appeals most to you as a medical student.
With all those disclaimers, there are some things you should do:
1. Focus on being the best student possible. Obviously, you need to be strong academically to match into ortho, but a good academic record will help you with any field should you change your mind
2. If you have time to pursue shadowing or research during your first two years that's fine but it should come a distant second to rocking your basic science courses and Step 1
3. Step 1 is critical. Need I say more?
4. Once you start your 3rd year clerkships, make sure to do your best on ALL of them - even the ones you think you'll hate. A lot of residencies weigh your clerkship performance and comments made about you by residents/attendings almost as high as Step 1. Show up with a good attitude, work hard, and be a fun person to be around - that sums up most orthopods I know so why be any different in your third year?
5. 3rd year is the time to really get to know some orthopods who can write you strong letters; ask to be involved in research. It doesn't necessarily have to get published; just something you can talk about on the interview trail
6. If you do all that, the rest will come pretty easy - good luck!
