Course Organization

The goals of the required orthopaedic rotation are to prepare the primary care physician for the identification and treatment of common orthopaedic problems, and to recognize, triage, and refer serious conditions.

Students will meet the goals of the clerkship by participating in inpatient, outpatient and operating room services, by self-directed study, and by attendance at student lectures and general orthopaedic conferences. The objectives will serve as a study guide and as the basis for the final examination.

A. General Objectives

Given the knowledge that:

1. Musculoskeletal problems rank second as cause for all patient complaints.
2. 97 per cent of all physicians will engage in medical fields other than Orthopaedics.
3. 70 per cent of the musculoskeletal medical problems will be cared for by physicians and osteopaths rather than orthopaedists.
4. The career choice of each student is typically unknown.

The first objective of the Orthopaedic Clerkship is to introduce the pathology of the musculoskeletal system to all students.

The introduction will define and delineate the scope of Orthopaedics and acquaint the student with specific examples of the common human ailments that come with that scope.

The student will be able to:

1. Recognize those musculoskeletal diseases and injuries which are emergencies, or require urgent treatment in order to reduce mortality and minimize disability. (MK05)(MK08)
2. Assess the specialty on the basis of his/her exposure to musculoskeletal basic science, disease, and its treatment to help make a rational decision on a career choice, and to enable participation with all members of the health care team and collaborate with them to provide the highest quality of care. (SBPO9)
3. Demonstrate compassion toward others and understand difference in beliefs and lifestyles and their impact on musculoskeletal disease (PR 12)

B. Educational Objectives

Following completion of this clerkship, and given the appropriate references, learning aids, seminars, patient assignments and discussions, the student should be able to:

1. Obtain a history from a patient with a musculoskeletal problem to elicit the essential data and provide effective and appropriate oral presentations to the health care team. (PC05) (ICSO5)
2. Perform a physical examination of a patient with a musculoskeletal problem and provide effective and appropriate oral presentations to the healthcare team. (PCO6)(ICSO5)
3. Identify the probable nature of the patient's problem and present a plan of approach (PC 11)(PC 12)(SBP 13)
4. Develop the ability to order imaging studies and laboratory tests appropriately and judiciously with an understanding of the indications, contraindications, and clinical impact of each. (PC 10)
5. Interpret roentgenographic and laboratory data pertinent to musculoskeletal problems (PC 11)
6. Recognize those musculoskeletal diseases and injuries where delay in diagnosis and treatment lead to unnecessary morbidity or to mortality
   (PCO7)(PC 13)
7. List the principles of management of musculoskeletal system injuries and to identify those requiring prompt management. (PC 13)
8. Demonstrate a systematic, integrated and effective evidence-based approach to problem solving in the diagnosis and management of disease
   (PBL05)
9. Participate in morbidity and mortality conference to understand team problem solving regarding medical errors and developing strategies to prevent them (SBP13)