Welcome to UNC Orthopaedics. This website has been provided to help make your orthopaedic rotation as worthwhile as possible. It is very important that you read this information before beginning your rotation on Orthopaedics because it clearly outlines the specific guidelines and expectations for the rotation.  During your rotation, you will have the opportunity to learn basic principles of caring for patients with musculoskeletal problems.  Because of the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems encountered in our medical practice, the principles gained on this rotation will serve you in your future even if you do not pursue orthopaedics as a career.

To make the most of this experience, you must realize that surgery is a contact sport.  You must become an active member of your team.  Although you may not be the primary surgeon, you should learn about the patient’s condition and operation and follow the patient’s course as if you were the doctor solely responsible for that patient’s care.  You must try to anticipate the course of your patient's progress.  The  “C” student knows where the patient was yesterday.  A “B” student knows what has happened today.  The “A” student tries to anticipate what is likely to happen tomorrow and plans accordingly.

At this stage in your education, almost everything that happens is an opportunity to learn.  Unfortunately, we cannot teach you everything you need to know in advance.  When you do not understand something, ask a resident or look it up.  From here on out, the process of learning medicine is largely one of teaching yourself.  You can learn much about critical care, radiology, and primary care from orthopaedic patients, so even if you have no particular interest in orthopaedics, you can learn many important things about common problems.

For questions or comments,
please contact
msmiller@med.unc.edu
January 2006