Medical Student Education

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery participates in the medical education curriculum for third- and fourth-year medical students at Indiana University School of Medicine – and rotating students from other medical schools – through the required surgery clerkship and advanced clinical electives.

These programs are designed to give those interested in treating the musculoskeletal problems of the human body a chance to explore orthopaedic surgery as a career while receiving impeccable training that will make them competitive for residency.

Students will have the opportunity to learn from faculty members working out of some of the top hospitals in downtown Indianapolis, including two Level 1 trauma centers at IU Health Methodist Hospital and the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital, as well as the nationally-ranked Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. Rotation locations also include the Richard L. Roudebush Indianapolis VA Medical Center and multiple IU Health hospitals and surgery centers around Central Indiana.

Students from all IU School of Medicine regional campuses can take part in the electives in Indianapolis. If you have any questions about our medical education program, contact Hollyn Mangione.

Third-year Clerkship

Students who take the department's Orthopaedic Surgery Clerkship learn how to take a musculoskeletal history and perform a musculoskeletal physical examination.
The rotation also helps students understand treatment for the orthopaedic problems they see.

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Mentoring

Medical students form important professional relationships with the faculty, staff and residents they work alongside during their education.
Mentoring promotes academic success and overall well-being. Students who are interested in obtaining a mentor in orthopaedic surgery should contact their
lead advisor.

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Clinical Electives

Students enrolled in clinical electives gain a firm grasp of general orthopaedics from a clinical perspective.
Emphasis is placed upon clinical evaluation, diagnostic testing and diagnosis and treatment plans for patients presenting in typical clinical settings.

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Research

Faculty investigators exercise spirited leadership in their supervisory roles of mentoring, collaborating with and directing those working alongside medical students who participate in research. The department collaborates extensively with other IU School of Medicine departments and IU schools on the Indianapolis campus

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Guest Students

Third- and- fourth-year medical students from an outside institution may take an orthopaedic surgery elective at IU School of Medicine. Request enrollment through the VSLO/VSAS program offered by the AAMC. The department participates in the Underrepresented in Medicine Visiting Elective Program.

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Student Organizations

The Orthopaedic Surgery Student Interest Group collaborates with faculty, residents and staff to serve as a primary source of information on residencies and careers in orthopaedic surgery. Information is presented through various events, including faculty lectures, surgical skills workshops, research and intern panel discussions, journal clubs, and service events.

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Diversity Award

IU School of Medicine and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery are committed to enhancing diversity in the department and orthopaedics as a surgical subspecialty. The department offers an annual diversity, equity and inclusion award. This award consists of a $1,250 financial incentive presented annually to one fourth-year medical student who has demonstrated a significant interest in enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion above and beyond the routine role and responsibilities.

This grant is given annually at the student award ceremony in May. Interested applicants should apply by submitting an essay to Hollyn Mangione.

The essay should be a maximum of two pages long, in 12-point font and single spaced. All essays should begin with an abstract paragraph (maximum 300 words). The essay should illustrate how the applicant exemplifies the criteria listed above. Students may nominate themselves or fellow students. IUSM faculty, staff, residents and fellows may also nominate a deserving student. The awardee will be chosen by committee members.

The school’s effort to diversify also include an Underrepresented in Medicine Residency and Fellowship Second Look Program and Underrepresented in Medicine Visiting Elective Program.