The University of Colorado’s Department of Orthopedics offers a six-week summer externship program for medical students interested in orthopedics. The program provides structured research courses and research opportunities, as well as early exposure to clinical orthopedics for students between their first and second year of medical school.

Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP

Typically Offered: Summer.

This course consists of 14 weekly one-hour classroom sessions including interactive lectures covering the orthopedic subspecialties, small group discussion and case presentations. An elective reading list is provided. There are also four one-half day shadowing opportunities in the operating room and clinics. Student evaluation is pass/fail by attendance.

Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

This course is designed as an elective in musculo-skeletal medicine in route to a career in primary care or other overlapping field. The focus is on outpatient musculoskeletal medicine.

Grading Basis: Medical School HP

Repeatable. Max Credits: 8.

Typically Offered: Spring.

This advanced career elective is designed to offer extensive orthopedic medical knowledge and clinical experience to students who have completed ORTH 8000 and are seeking additional orthopedic training that would normally be obtained through elective away rotations. Must have completed ORTH 8000 AI.

Grading Basis: Medical School HP

Repeatable. Max Credits: 16.

Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.

Course provides clinical experience in musculo-skeletal sports medicine. Students will primarily be based in the CU Sports Medicine Clinic. Opportunities include participation in the clinic, operating room and the training room.

Grading Basis: Medical School HP

Repeatable. Max Credits: 8.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

Orthopedic elective (4 weeks) designed for students on the path to orthopedic surgery residency who are seeking education and experience in a small mountain community.The course will be be based out of Crested Butte, CO which has a high volume of sports injuries. Course will also offer exposure to rural orthopedics in Gunnison & Telluride.

Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP

Repeatable. Max Credits: 24.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

Introduction to Orthopedic Surgery is designed to prepare fourth year medical students for sub-internship rotations in Orthopedic Surgery. Course includes lectures in anatomy, common injuries, treatment plans, and surgical intervention for eight sub-specialties of Orthopedics including: Trauma, Spine, Hand, Pediatrics, Sports, Adult Recon. Requisite: Students who plan to complete a sub-internship in Orthopedics and who are planning to pursue an orthopedic residency.

Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP

Repeatable. Max Credits: 8.

Typically Offered: Spring.

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of common orthopedic conditions (e.g., fractures, dislocations, arthritis, spinal disorders) as it pertains to your attending’s specialty. Explain indications, contraindications, and expected outcomes of common orthopedic surgical procedures as it pertains to your attending’s specialty. Recognize orthopedic emergencies (e.g., compartment syndrome, septic joint, cauda equina syndrome). Understand the continuum of care in orthopedic surgery, including preoperative planning, operative care, and rehabilitation. Identify appropriate use of resources, including imaging and consults. Recognize issues related to discharge planning, outpatient follow-up, and coordination with rehab services.

Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

This Orthopedic elective will be held at a site in Colorado, another state, or internationally. Students must obtain departmental approval one month prior to the start. Additionally, international sites must be preapproved by Student Affairs. Officer 4 weeks.

Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP

Repeatable. Max Credits: 16.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

Provides an opportunity to participate in research at the clinical or basic science level. The student should contact the Departmental Office 3-4 months in advance to arrange a meeting with a member of the Orthopaedics faculty to define a project.

Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP

Repeatable. Max Credits: 24.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

This Orthopedic research elective will be held at a site in Colorado, another state, or internationally. Students must obtain departmental approval one month prior to the start. Additionally, international sites must be preapproved by Student Affairs. Offered 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks.

Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.