Musculoskeletal Trauma (Orth 0203)
The MetroHealth Center is the largest Level I trauma program in Ohio, with a very busy musculoskeletal trauma service. Patients suffering from musculoskeletal trauma will be seen by the student as part of the Trauma Team. The goal is to introduce the clerk to the principles of evaluation, diagnosis, and care of injured patients. There will be a close relationship among student, resident, and attending orthopaedist. This will take place at the bedside, in the emergency room, operating room, conference room, and clinic. In the process of caring for the acutely injured patient, the attending orthopaedist and resident will demonstrate first-hand how to examine and evaluate the total patient. The student will see when other specialists are called, and how to work as a team in helping the patient. Problems will be listed and priorities of treatment outlined. The actual management will be demonstrated to the student and she/he will be an active participant. The post-operative period in the intensive care unit and on the orthopaedic unit will serve to demonstrate day-to-day care while the patient is still hospitalized. Participation in the clinics will provide insight into the long-term care, follow-up, and rehabilitation.

This rotation is available to third- and fourth-year students for either two or four weeks.

Adult Orthopaedic Surgery (Orth 0202)
This rotation is designed to give the student broad exposure to disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the methods of treatment used. Orthopaedics is the medical specialty that includes investigation, preservation, restoration, and development of the form and function of the extremities, spine, and associated structures by medical, surgical, and physical methods. Students not only will observe but participate in the examination, evaluation, and care of patients. Problems to which he/she will be exposed include fractures, congenital anomalies, amputations, arthritis, sports injuries, and many others. Students will be directly supervised by an attending orthopaedic surgeon or a chief resident. The participants will spend a significant portion of time in the outpatient setting. Experience with closed reduction of simple fractures, emergency room evaluation of injured patients, and orthopaedic surgery will be obtained.

This rotation is available to fourth-year students for either two or four weeks.

Please contact the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery to request these electives. 

Emigda Gabriel, Coordinator
The MetroHealth System
2500 MetroHealth Drive
Cleveland, OH 44109-1998
216-778-3896
egabriel@metrohealth.org