Author Archives: Laurie Birdsong

In the 2022-2023 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals rankings, orthopaedics was rated a “high performing” specialty at UNC Hospitals, among peers nationwide. Every year, this hospital report card nationally ranks 50 top-scoring hospitals based upon performance ratings by specialty. Performance scores are calculated through categorical analysis of data...

The UNC Sports Medicine Institute (SMI) is dedicated to informing current and future practice in treating musculoskeletal injuries through innovative, impactful clinical research that helps individuals return to peak performance and quality, active lifestyles. In its third year of operation, the Institute’s collaborating patient care and clinical research disciplines are...

For infants born with limb deficiencies or deformities, early intervention is important for optimal development. However, many families learn of the congenital anomaly at birth and need time to process their own emotions regarding the limb loss/difference. The grieving process can take up to a year, which can delay making...

Late June each year, the Department’s PGY1s begin residency with a great interest in their chosen field of orthopaedics. However, they are armed with only the limited knowledge that they received in medical school. Stepping into this newfound role as physicians in training, first-year residents lack critical orthopaedic surgery skills to perform direct patient care on Day 1....

On June 24th, UNC Orthopaedics welcomed its newest class of residents as five PGY1s began their intern year of training. On Day 1, the Department’s interns hit the deck running, attending resident boot camp in their first week to acquire fundamental skills in orthopaedic surgery, and immersing themselves in accelerated...

This year, UNC Department of Orthopaedics is pleased to host two medical student scholars selected by UNC programs that address and close gaps in racial and gender disparities in medical practice.  In fall 2022, the Department will host its first University of North Carolina Department of Orthopaedics Scholarship for Under-Represented...

At its annual graduation banquet on Friday, June 3rd 2022, the Department honored the achievements and completion of Orthopaedic Surgery training of its five departing residents. Residents, fellows and faculty gathered at the University’s Carolina Inn to celebrate the end of the academic year and to award resident and teaching...

In the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings of the 50 top-performing children’s hospitals across the U.S. across 10 pediatric specialties, UNC’s Pediatric Orthopaedics service was named #23 among all pediatric orthopaedic programs. In the 2022-2023 report released mid-June, data analysis and surveys of thousands of pediatric specialists working...

On Friday, June 3rd, 2022, UNC Orthopaedics hosted its 51st Annual R. Beverly Raney Visiting Professorship and Orthopaedic Conference, marking a welcome return to in-person for a longstanding educational event that benefits current and alumnus UNC Orthopaedics Surgery faculty and residents. Each year, this event provides orthopaedic surgeons updates on...

The mission of UNC Orthopaedics and the Sports Medicine Institute includes injury treatment, rehabilitation, and injury prevention and outreach.  This includes our UNC athletes, as well as the local school systems, weekend warriors and athletes of all ages. We work to support the community as a whole at a range...