M1 and M2 Advice for Orthopedic Surgery
Dennis Sievers, Emily Mathijs, Tucker Peabody
Landing a spot in orthopedic surgery is like winning a golden ticket – it's no walk in the park. You've got to assemble a stellar application with top-notch Step 2 scores, research publications, glowing letters of recommendation, and a performance on sub-internships that leaves jaws dropping. So, if you're eyeing orthopedics, let's talk about a game plan for those first two years of med school. Time to set the stage for your future triumph!
Your first year of medical school is a great time to reach out to those in the orthopedic surgery community. This can be faculty at your home program, residents, or upperclassmen who are also pursuing orthopedics. Try to establish a mentor that will guide you through the process. Explore options like cold emailing faculty, getting an intro from fellow classmates, social media, or through the MSOS mentorship program.
Acing Exams
In the thrilling saga of exams, you're already a star for making it to med school. But hold tight, the exam ride is an ongoing adventure. Whether it's conquering Step 1, acing Step 2, or navigating the wild territory of shelf exams and school exams, the game is on. To stand out in the orthopedic arena, keep acing those exams – it's not just about passing; it's about dominating. And yes, while biochem might not be as flashy as a casting clinic, acing that exam might be just as important.
Research, Conferences, and Presentations
When it comes to applying for ortho residency, diving into research is a major time commitment. From lit reviews to manuscript writing, the entire process can span months to a year from idea to publication. However, some projects can be expedited, especially if you join an ongoing one or work on a case report. Emphasizing the power of networking, consider getting involved in research during your first year to test the waters. Collaborate with a mentor to brainstorm original projects for potential first-author publications. Presenting your work at local and national orthopedic conferences not only allows you to share ideas but also expands your network and exposes you to cutting-edge innovations in the field. While it's crucial to prioritize acing preclinical classes, wrapping up your second year with a couple of publications, progress on projects, and perhaps attending and presenting at a conference or two will put you in a solid position.
Anatomy
You may have heard the age-old saying that the first two years of medical school are like trying to drink from a fire hose. It will be hard to learn and master every piece of information thrown at you. With that being said if you're eyeing orthopedic surgery, investing extra focus in musculoskeletal anatomy can pay off. Develop a solid understanding during anatomy sessions, as it forms the core of what you'll need for ortho rotations, setting you up for success in the long run.
Gear up for the orthopedic surgery residency application marathon! It's a bit of a journey, but these tips are here to lay the groundwork for the long haul. Lastly, you are in medical school to learn how to become a physician and not an orthopedic surgeon specifically. So, do not undermine the rest of your medical school education because you have a plan of going into orthopedics. Focus on your current studies, get engaged in research early on as research opportunities and time become more scarce throughout your medical school career, and develop relationships/mentorships with faculty and residents.
Just a friendly reminder, it's definitely a marathon, not a sprint – so lace up those running shoes!
References
Murali S, Harris AB, Snow M, LaPorte D, Aiyer A. The Mentee Perspective: Evaluating Mentorship of Medical Students in the Field of Orthopaedic Surgery. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2023 Nov 8;7(11):e22.00267. doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-22-00267. PMID: 37938911; PMCID: PMC10631613.