Preparing for away rotations and the challenges of residency can be daunting for medical students. That’s why the Fracture Friday series—brought to you by AO North America in collaboration with the Medical Student Orthopedic Society (MSOS)—is an essential resource for medical students interested in learning more about orthopedics and early residents. Each week, this series delivers bite-sized orthopedic trauma cases, offering valuable insights from practicing surgeons. Whether you’re looking to refine your clinical knowledge or gain confidence ahead of residency, “Fracture Friday” provides the tools you need for success.
What is Fracture Friday?
Fracture Friday is a unique educational initiative designed to prepare medical students for the complexities of orthopedic trauma. Hosted in collaboration with MSOS, this series provides concise and digestible content that explores orthopedic foundations and real-world cases. Each week, a practicing orthopedic surgeon shares their expertise, introducing key concepts and practical takeaways critical for preparing for away rotations and residency.
The series is shared on MSOS’s Instagram and features video presentations, making it both interactive and accessible. Previous videos will also be available in the Fracture Friday archive.
Key Features of the Series
- Orthopedic Focus: Insights into orthopedic basics, conditions, and injuries.
- Expert-Led Content: Weekly presentations from seasoned orthopedic surgeons.
- Medical Student-Friendly Format: Bite-sized, easy-to-consume episodes shared on Instagram are designed to fit into busy schedules.
Why Medical Students Should Follow Fracture Friday
1. Get Prepared for Away Rotations
Away rotations often serve as a crucial step for medical students pursuing residency. However, they can be demanding, requiring both clinical acumen and adaptability. Fracture Friday helps build an ortho foundation to give you a head start.
2. Build a Strong Foundation for Residency Preparation
Residency in orthopedic surgery is highly competitive and requires comprehensive preparation. The weekly insights provided help medical students familiarize themselves with the kinds of cases they’ll encounter during their training.
By following the series, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of essential skills such as fracture management, surgical decision-making, and patient care strategies, helping you stand out as a residency candidate.
3. Learn From Expert Practitioners
Each episode introduces a unique case or ortho basic presented by a practicing orthopedic surgeon. These surgeons bring real-world experience directly to your screen, sharing their thought processes, diagnostic approaches, and treatment plans. This practical knowledge is essential for bridging the gap between textbook knowledge and actual clinical practice.
How to Access and Benefit from Fracture Friday
Fracture Friday is tailored to be accessible and user-friendly for busy medical students. Here’s how you can engage with this invaluable series:
- Follow MSOS on Instagram
New episodes are uploaded every week on the Medical Student Orthopedic Society’s Instagram page. This social media platform allows you to watch, comment, and interact with the presented cases anytime, anywhere.
- Catch up with the Fracture Friday archive.
All episodes are also archived here for easy viewing. With just a few clicks, you can revisit past episodes to reinforce key concepts or catch up on sessions you may have missed.
- Engage with Peers and Professionals
Join the conversation by discussing the cases with your peers or seeking further clarification from the MSOS community. Collaboration and discussion are key parts of the learning process.
Why This Series Matters
Fracture Friday isn’t just another digital resource—it’s a powerful tool for advancing your orthopedic education. By highlighting the collaborative efforts of AO NA and MSOS, the series emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge, preparation, and peer learning.
For medical students, this means better-equipped rotations, stronger residency applications, and a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of orthopedic care. These episodes serve as a stepping stone toward developing the technical expertise and critical thinking necessary for clinical excellence.
