ortho externships

[antidentite]

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are there ortho externships out there? it seems almost every oms applicant has completed or has considered an externship and it is becoming almost a prerequisite. maybe i am naive but i have not heard of any similar ortho externships. does anyone know of any.......where, when, how long, etc. thanks.

 

[tjb]

I have never heard of a formal ortho externship.
I think it would be better to go and visit the ortho programs you're interested in for a day or two. The reason OMS has externships is due to the huge variety in programs and what each program has to offer. Each program has a unique emphasis, some cancer, some trauma, some craniofacial, etc... At most externships it's extremely hands on as you take trauma call, work in the outpatient clinic, help out in the OR, round on patients and attend case conferences. You get a good idea of the hours you'll be putting in, the residents you'll be with for 4-6 years and the variety of facilities and hospitals you'll be working in. An ortho externship would be somewhat blah since you would probably just watch the residents work all day and maybe get to place some brackets, change bands, do some tracings and sit in on some lectures, which would make 1-4 weeks very long.
Just my opinion.

tjb

 

[antidentite]

thats pretty much what i thought the case was. i appreciate your response.

I have never heard of a formal ortho externship.
I think it would be better to go and visit the ortho programs you're interested in for a day or two. The reason OMS has externships is due to the huge variety in programs and what each program has to offer. Each program has a unique emphasis, some cancer, some trauma, some craniofacial, etc... At most externships it's extremely hands on as you take trauma call, work in the outpatient clinic, help out in the OR, round on patients and attend case conferences. You get a good idea of the hours you'll be putting in, the residents you'll be with for 4-6 years and the variety of facilities and hospitals you'll be working in. An ortho externship would be somewhat blah since you would probably just watch the residents work all day and maybe get to place some brackets, change bands, do some tracings and sit in on some lectures, which would make 1-4 weeks very long.
Just my opinion.

tjb

 

[texas_dds]

its not really a formal thing but a few students have spent a week at the san antonio ortho program - and its only blah if you dont love ortho!
personally, i have spent an afternoon at several programs and have found it to be quite helpful. oms and pedo really require the more formal externships but you can always create your own opportunities, ya know?