Orthopaedic Surgery Medical Student Programs
Our department provides an exciting educational experience for medical students that involves interaction with our patients, faculty and staff.
Third and fourth-year branch students (M3 and M4) selecting orthopaedic surgery are offered clinical rotations in outpatient clinical settings or inpatients with both clinical and surgical exposure. Our diverse faculty encompass the complete spectrum of orthopedic subspecialties, preparing you for residency and guiding you on the path to being a physician making a meaningful impact in your area of interest.
We also invite visiting 4th year medical students interested in orthopedics to join us for a similar clinical rotation. This is an opportunity to explore the specialty, discover Ann Arbor, and experience what sets the University of Michigan Medical School Department of Orthopaedic Surgery apart.
For More Information
Goals of the Program
Training Future Leaders in Surgery
Medical student education is a top priority for the Department Orthopedic of Surgery. The goals of our program are to:
- Ensure that all students obtain fundamental knowledge in the surgical sciences
- Provide basic surgical training and diverse hands-on skills competencies
- Provide exposure to surgical subspecialties
- Mentor students interested in a career in surgery
- Foster engagement in research and innovation
What You Will Learn
Students will practice clinical exams and surgical skills, focusing on a more hands-on approach. Additionally, students will be mentored on presentation skills, the use of diagnostic imaging, and coordinating comprehensive musculoskeletal care. Our partnership with the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital provides an additional unique experience in general orthopedic care. Didactic sessions incorporating lectures and case-based learning accompany the clinical rotations.
Inpatient Service Rotations include: Orthopedic Trauma, Joint Reconstruction, Pediatric Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Foot and Ankle, Hand, and Spine.
Visiting Student Program
To ensure equitable opportunities for all students, all elective requests should go through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) application process. Faculty and students should not make individual arrangements.
The Orthopaedic Department will follow the current standardized recommendations from AOA/CORD for Visiting Student Rotations. The following should be included in every application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Program specific statement of interest, 350 word limit
- Step 1 (Pass or Fail on first attempt) and/or COMLEX Level 1
- Step 2 (if taken) and/or COMLEX Level 2 (if taken)
- Current medical school transcript
- AOA/CORD recommends against required letters of recommendation or secondary applications, but feel free to submit one if desired
The Orthopaedic Department will follow the current Universal Away Rotation Offer Day schedule. Please see the following link for further details: https://www.aoassn.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AOACORD_GuidelinesAwayRotations_Jan2026.pdf
Contact Us
For further questions regarding UMMS ORTHSURG VSLO SUBI, the Visiting Student Office at [email protected]
Course Director: William R. Aibinder, MD
Course Coordinator: Rebecca Salyer
Health Visiting Clerkship
Michigan Medicine offers a 4-week Health Visiting Clerkship. This can be paired with your visiting rotation and promotes the development of medical student’s interest in health equity and inclusion.
Orthopaedic Surgery Student Interest Group (OSSIG)
Orthopaedic Surgery Student Interest Group (OSSIG) is a group for UMMS students who wish to explore the field of Orthopaedic Surgery as a potential career path. Meetings and events are usually held once a month and explore different aspects of what an Orthopaedic Surgeon does and what steps are involved in becoming one.
Previous events have included:
- Expectations to match into Orthopaedics
- Casting workshops
- History of Orthopaedic Devices
- Meeting with M4s who have been matched into an Orthopaedic residency
- Lunch case presentations
Contact Us
Program Leadership
William R Aibinder, MD, FAAOS
Co-Director of Sports Medicine & Shoulder Surgery Fellowship
Medical School Clerkship Director
