Sucking up without sucking up

[TheCatalyst]

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Spoiler alert: no sexual references in this post.

Hey guys, I will be an MS1 this fall, and I'm interested in ortho. I am not dead set on it, but it's definitely at the top of the list after all the shadowing/reading/questioning/surgery observing I've done.

Of course, being so competitive, killing the academics of med school is a must, and I will definitely bust my butt to do that (ok, a slight sexual reference). But this question is in regards to the "everything else"...

How can I increase my exposure to orthopods at my institution? Should I do solely ortho research? Attend ortho grand rounds? Shadow MORE orthopods? Walk up to every orthopod I see and feverishly smile and wave?

In other words, how can I suck up and get myself noticed, without actual sucking up to get myself noticed haha I would just like to form some relationships within my ortho dept. I'm guessing that can't hurt.

Any advice would help, I'm open to opinions and criticism! Thanks for your time!

 

[TKEP1024]

Check out orthogate.org/forums

 

[TheCatalyst]

Will do....I also posted there too tho haha

 

[perilou]

How can I increase my exposure to orthopods at my institution? Should I do solely ortho research? Attend ortho grand rounds? Shadow MORE orthopods? Walk up to every orthopod I see and feverishly smile and wave?

In other words, how can I suck up and get myself noticed, without actual sucking up to get myself noticed haha I would just like to form some relationships within my ortho dept. I'm guessing that can't hurt.

Any advice would help, I'm open to opinions and criticism! Thanks for your time!

I think attending ortho grand rounds is a good idea, but don't just go and sit. You need to talk to someone. Set up a meeting with your chairman and/or program director and let them know about your interest in ortho and ask their advice. It will be similar to other things you've heard, but now they know who you are, and will take note of your grand rounds attendance. (All this is unnecessary by the way. I never attended ortho grand rounds prior to 3rd year, and matched successfully).

Ortho research definitely helps. Your school probably has something set up for the summer between first and second year, and I would recommend doing that. (again not necessary. I had no ortho research)

As you indicated at the beginning of your post, your primary job in the first two years is to do well grade-wise and prepare yourself for Step 1. You may end up changing your career path, and that's fine. Keep an open mind.

Good luck in the next few years!