Primary Care Orthopedics

Catalog Description: This course is designed for students who wish to learn more about the care of patients with musculoskeletal problems in the ambulatory setting; primary care, pediatrics, emergency medicine, etc. The students will be observing and assisting orthopedic surgeons in a general orthopedic practice. The student's interest and initiative will determine the level of responsiblities and the extent of participation in surgical procedures. Students are responsible for weekly case conference presentations.

Sites: 

View site addresses by clicking on the site name below or visiting the site codes table.

Required session attendance:

Typical weekly schedule/Delivery Mode: M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm

Direct patient care: Yes

Consent Requirement: Open to student scheduling 

Course Objectives: 

Successful completion of this course should allow the student to:

• take an orthopedic history and perform a general and regional physical examination of the musculoskeletal system;
• develop a differential diagnosis and management plan for joint diseases;
• gain an understanding of appropriate primary care of musculoskeletal diseases and referral to specialists;
• feel comfortable with common plaster splinting and casting techniques, including indications and possible complications; and
• participate as an assistant in common orthopedic surgical procedures, having identified the indications and describing expected results and possible complications.

Graded Components: 

• Final rotation evaluation, Master GRS Form, 80%
• Presentation evaluation, 20%

Grading Scale: P/N