Surviving Orthopaedic Residency in a Pandemic Via Technology

Claudette Lajam, MD, FAAOS; Jaime L. Bellamy, DO

Technology has made many things possible, including robots delivering groceries, the NFL conducting its draft through virtual meetings, and doctors diagnosing cancer. The United States has been overwhelmed with the coronavirus in every aspect of our lives. Social distancing by staying at home has its benefits, especially to help flatten the curve. However, how has the pandemic affected those in orthopaedic training programs?

Applying for a Residency and Fellowship from an Osteopathic Perspective

Emily Tan, DO; Brent Bamberger, MS, PT, DO, FAOA, FAOAO

Match Day has always been exciting for students and educators alike. This past March was the first time that all allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) applicants participated exclusively in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). As we move forward together in the educational collaboration between allopathic and osteopathic orthopaedic surgeons, the time has come to take a closer look at what makes DOs and MDs similar and different.

Resident Assembly Health Policy Committee 2019: A Year in Review

Molly A. Day, MD, ATC; Kevin J. Cronin, MD

The AAOS Resident Assembly’s (RA) Health Policy Committee (HPC) comprises dozens of residents from across the country addressing issues impacting orthopaedic surgery and orthopaedic residency training. In 2019, the HPC continued to collaborate with AAOS to promote resident engagement in political advocacy, educate residents on health policy, and promote resident involvement in the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee.

OITE Will Be Offered as a Remote Examination This Year

For the first time since its inception, the AAOS Orthopaedic In-Training Examination ® (OITE), scheduled for Nov. 13–16, will be available as a remotely administered and proctored, computer-based examination. Given the ever-changing landscape of national, local, and institutional recommendations and restrictions relating to public safety, it was incumbent upon the physician leadership of AAOS to take measures to ensure that OITE administration is compliant with current public safety guidelines and provide a standardized model for administration.

Women in Orthopaedics Discuss What Influenced Their Specialty Choices

Lisa K. Cannada, MD, FAAOS

Female orthopaedic surgeons are in residency during prime childbearing years. The influences on female orthopaedic surgeons differ from those on men, given the choices they have to make regarding work-life balance, pregnancy, and family. It wasn’t until recently that factors that may influence a woman’s choice of fellowship have been explored. Previous studies indicated that spine, adult reconstruction, and trauma subspecialties had the lowest percentages of women completing fellowship. Residents gain exposure to all specialties during their training, and different experiences and expectations may influence a woman’s choice of specialty.