Women and Orthopedics

[lucieak15]

What do you think about it. Anything.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[tussy]

THere are lots of women practicing as staff orthopedic surgeons and training as orthopedic residents. Although they are still a minority, there really shouldn't be an issue about it.

Are you interested in orthopedics yourself???

 

[fourthyear]

I used to think all women could and should do orthopedics if they want to. I still think this is true, but after doing a rotation in it, I realize that there is a requirement for a lot of brute physical strenghth to do the job. I am a petite, but strong woman, and I honestly do not think I could reduce some of the fractures and dislocations manually on a 300 lb patient. The patients are just so much bigger than me, and as a student holding the leg up during an operation, I thought long and hard about this topic.

So, you definately can do it and I think if you really love it you should, but just be aware of the job demands and challenges you may face because it is a very psysical job sometimes.

 

[ortho2003]

There is no reason women shouldn't be able to do Ortho, but they still comprise only 5-7% of the ortho match. It doesn't appear that the numbers are increasing this year. I have done 12 interviews so far and have usually only seen 1 or 2 women per interview with about 20-25 men. I don't think it is a matter of programs not interviewing women as much as lack of interest female students. I don't know why any female would want to hang out with a bunch of vulgar meathead ortho guys, but if you aren't bothered by our vulgarity, grab a bone saw and let's have some fun.