Am I competitive for orthopedic surgery?
M4 applying ortho this cycle from the southeast (FL/GA).
I have been interested in orthopedics since late M1/M2, but my ortho research is very weak. I really tried to connect with research opportunities but unfortunately my school department has limited opportunities for students. I did well on my home rotation but am certainly not highly connected within the department due to lack of research. I've got 6 total rotations, just finished 2/6. First one got great feedback and second one overall got good feedback but rather impersonal.
3rd year rotations - honored 5/6, only HP was surgery unfortunately.
AOA released on Monday which I expect to be nominated for at the very least.
STEP 2: 269
Pubs: 4 (surgery but no ortho) - 3 orthopedic projects in the works with 1 manuscript and 1 case report submitted.
Leadership: President of 2 organizations. Nothing in Ortho clubs.
Volunteering: 3-4 activities
Letters: 1 from home PD, 1 from current away, 1 from plastic surgeon mentor, hoping for 1-2 on next away as I work with 1 attending for 2 weeks straight.
Anyone with similar applications or advice on whether dual-applying would be helpful for my application? I have no interest in a RY at this point as I have 2 kids at home and delaying more is not an option.
Posted Jul 26, 2026, 11:37 PM UTC