Medical Student Educational Programs

The Georgetown Orthopaedic Surgery Department has always placed a high priority on the education of medical students.  This is evidenced by the large number of students who have pursued successful careers in orthopaedic surgery.  The faculty and residents of the department are committed to the education of students and to assisting them in the pursuit of a career in orthopaedic surgery.

Junior Student Clerkship

 The third year student rotation consists of two weeks on the Orthopaedic Surgery Service at Georgetown University Hospital .  During this rotation students participate as a member of the surgical team in the delivery of pre and post-operative care and have the opportunity to observe numerous operative procedures.  Additionally, a structured didactic program is in place which consists of lectures, teaching rounds, conferences, and student case presentations.  The “Essentials of Orthopaedic Surgery: Third Edition” is the required reading for the rotation.

Senior Student Elective

Senior students interested in pursuing a career in Orthopaedic Surgery are offered a four week elective performed during the first half of the fourth year.   Two weeks are spent at the University Hospital and two weeks at the Virginia Hospital Center .  During this rotation the students are expected to perform as acting interns with regards to patient management and preparation for surgical cases.   Students participate in didactic sessions, teaching rounds, and conferences at both sites.  All students have equal exposure to faculty in both didactic conferences and surgical cases.   The department welcomes students from other institutions who would like to experience what the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Georgetown has to offer.

Senior Acting Internship

Georgetown Medical Students are required to complete three four-week acting internships in order to graduate.  The department of Orthopaedic Surgery offers a four-week acting internship at Arlington Hospital or the Washington Hospital Center that will meet the requirements of an AI.  Students are expected to be an active member of the team in the operating room, clinic, ER, and on the ward.  Additionally, they will participate in conferences at each institution.  This AI is appropriate for students entering the field, but is equally appropriate for students entering primary fields who would like a basic knowledge of Orthopaedics.

Non-Operative Musculoskeletal Elective

Senior students entering primary care fields may desire to improve their knowledge of the pathology and treatment of musculoskeletal disease.  This is a clinic based rotation during which students will participate with attending physicians in the evaluation and care of musculoskeletal disease.  Students will spend time in foot and ankle, sports medicine, hand, spine, and joint reconstruction clinics to broaden their knowledge of Orthopaedics.

Preceptorships

Freshman and Sophomore students are offered the opportunity to spend time with a member of the faculty in a clinical setting.  For those interested in Orthopaedic Surgery, these students should contact individual members of the full time faculty to arrange preceptorships.

Senior Anatomy for Seniors

Most years, in the spring, the Department offers a four-week surgical anatomy elective for seniors planning a career in Orthopaedic Surgery.  This elective includes a cadaveric dissection, clinical correlation and prosections with members of the full time faculty.

Student Research

Students who are interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery may wish to participate in orthopaedic research.   There are numerous research projects in various areas of orthopaedics occurring in the department.  Student involvement in these projects is always welcomed.  Please contact the office of the chief resident (202-444-8553) regarding available projects.