Introduction
Students choosing this pathway elect a narrow channel for completing medical school, with the goal of pursuing an orthopaedic surgery career. It assumes a basic science background and third-year program demonstrating interest in musculoskeletal diseases. In the Orthopaedic Surgery Pathway experience in a variety of directly related clinical disciplines is provided, in addition to orthopaedic surgery and general surgery.

Sites and Personnel

Pathway Director:
Martin Herman, M.D.
martin.herman@towerhealth.org
Please contact Dr. Herman through his assistant: Blanche Hernandez blanche.hernandez@towerhealth.org

Student Coordinator:
Linda Greco
215-991-8520
lag64@drexel.edu

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Based upon strength in academic performance in the first three years, this program will prepare students for a career in orthopaedic surgery by:

1. Rotation on an Orthopaedic Surgical Service (University Hospital setting recommended).

2. Rotation on an outside orthopaedic service to expose the student to the workings of another department and a broader perspective of the discipline.

3. Rotation on a rheumatology service to increase fund of knowledge of biochemistry, immunology and pharmacology as they relate to the musculoskeletal system.

4. Rotation on one of two support services (ID/radiology) to appreciate the benefits of consultation.

5. Rotation on general internal medicine and general surgery to increase fundamental skills necessary in a clinical surgical career including trauma.

6. Opportunity for two free electives (non-orthopaedic) providing students the opportunity to explore an additional discipline, or fill a recommended discipline void.

8. Unscheduled time for interviews, research (in or out of the department), or additional clinical rotations. Orthopaedic rotations are discouraged.

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Required Course Descriptions

1. Emergency Medicine Subinternship
Emergency Medicine Subinternship is required by the University as a senior year course. During this course we would expect that the student will learn the principles of rapid assessment and stabilization of critically ill and injured patients; learn the initial evaluation and management of the wide range of undifferentiated patient complaints in the Emergency Department; gain skills, specialized examination technique and real-time interpretation of diagnostic studies; participate in common and more advanced procedures.

2. Required Subinternship Objectives: Orthopaedic Surgery Pathway students are required to complete a Surgery Subinternship
By the end of the rotation learners will be able to:

1. Take ownership of their patients and be the primary point person regarding their care.
2. Demonstrate the ability to care for patients with increasing independence while seeking help when appropriate
3. Handle the daily tasks of an intern including preparing for rounds, presenting on rounds, interprofessional knowledge and communication skills, and patient interactions, histories and physicals, note writing of all varieties, and sign-out in a proficient and efficient manner.
4. Apply their knowledge towards diagnosis and management of common acute complaints and chronic conditions, creating care plans and communicating with consultants as necessary.
5. Perform general procedures through demonstration of the necessary preparation and key issues required for the performance of procedures, including understanding patient-specific factors, indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, and alternatives. 
6. Demonstrate reliable mechanical skills in performing procedures in most situations and knows when to seek help for procedures or situations beyond the learner’s abilities.
7. Perform safe transitions of care, coordination of care, and discharge planning.

3. Orthopaedic Surgery (Home or Away)

Surgical experience with each major service, including:

joint replacement
trauma
hand
spine
foot and ankle
sports medicine
pediatrics
outpatient experience
night call
conference participation
inpatient rounds

Strongly Recommended Courses

1. Orthopaedic Surgery (Home/Away)
at a University or University affiliated institution with a residency program in Orthopaedic Surgery

2. Rheumatology/PM&R
at a University or University affiliated institution with a fellowship program in Rheumatology and or PM&R

3. Infectious Disease or Radiology
at a University or University affiliated institution with a fellowship or residency program in the specific discipline

4. General Surgery
at a University or University affiliated institution with a residency program in General Surgery and a Level I or II trauma service designation

5. Electives (as regulated by the Dean's office) may not exceed three orthopaedic rotations and must have faculty advisor approval

Free Elective Course Descriptions
Free electives must fulfill University requirements and meet the approval of the faculty advisor.

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Textbooks and Learning Resources

· The University library, including standard texts on reserve.
· Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics or Orthopaedic Surgery (Evarts)
· Orthopaedic Knowledge Update (AAOS)

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Evaluation

Evaluation of the Student
The student's performance in each rotation will be evaluated by supervising physicians, and residents when appropriate, using the standard Drexel University College of Medicine clinical evaluation form. Students not receiving a grade of satisfactory or higher will be counseled and provided with remediation.

Evaluation of 4th year Courses
Upon completion of each rotation, students are encouraged to complete the end-of-rotation evaluation form in DOCSS. Students have the opportunity to provide feedback on the rotation as well as on specific faculty (and residents) with whom they worked in DOCSS. All feedback is de-identified.

Evaluation of the Pathway
Students are encouraged to complete an end-of-year Pathway evaluation for the Pathway. The feedback from this evaluation will help in advising future students more effectively.

 

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The provisions of The Student Handbook of Drexel University College of Medicine are not to be regarded as a contract between any student and the College of Medicine. The School of Medicine may, at any time, change any provisions, curriculum requirements, teaching facilities, affiliated teaching sites and/or amenities, bylaws, rules, regulations and policies as may be necessary in the interest of the University, College of Medicine, and its students.

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Revised 01/25/2024