Orthopaedic Summer Scholars Programs
Internship Testimonials
“There aren’t enough words to show the gratitude I feel for having been a part of this program. The time I spent with not only the surgeons, but also their surgical and clinical teams was simply invaluable. Everyone’s willingness to answer my questions, guide me through procedures, and provide me with tips for success was so pleasantly surprising. I felt like my learning increased by 10-fold thanks solely to the relationships I made along the way. I’ve found true role models here, and I now have people in the orthopedic field that I may aspire to be like. Thanks to them, I am able to leave this program knowing that I am fully capable of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Further, I have been exposed to a plethora of cases throughout many subspecialties, and I’ve come to realize that I really enjoy fracture fixation, adult reconstruction, and most notably musculoskeletal oncology cases. Before this program, I only knew that orthopedics involved the skeleton. Now, I understand the day to day of an orthopedic surgeon, the steps I need to take to match into a competitive orthopedic residency, and I have an idea of what I will subspecialize in. I could not have asked for a better experience.”
“I’m so thankful for all of the people who took part in making the Emory Orthopedics Summer Scholars Internship Program possible. The Emory Orthopedics SSIP is a unique 6-week program that promotes diversity and integrative learning in orthopedic surgery. I have been immensely blessed to be a part of a program that is structured around immersive education through observership, establishing a mentorship between attendings and students, shadowing in an early part of one’s career, and giving underrepresented students the confidence they need to pursue a career in orthopedics if they chose to do so. When I started this program, I did not know what it would entail. Before, I was discouraged from pursuing surgery as a female because others stated I would not be able to spend time building my family or have a typical ideal life as a wife. This program allowed me to meet so many amazing female surgeons who encouraged me that though it may look different, having a family and being a surgeon can coincide and thrive. From this program, my perspective of orthopedics and the importance of having the humble support of those who support treating diverse populations will forever be altered for the better. From my personal experience in this program, I’ve learned many truly life-changing things such as how to conduct research, procedures on cadavers, hands-on procedures, diagnostic x-ray reading, CV building, networking, work-life balance and much more. I was able to shadow many amazing attending physicians and residents who poured their knowledge into me and made me feel a sense of belonging and encouragement. I interacted with the staff at multiple Emory Healthcare locations and CHOA locations, which further encouraged me because the staff worked so cohesively together with mutual respect among those of varying roles. This program has provided me with the skills and connections I need to start building a foundation in orthopedics, which I will cherish and carry with me through my medical career as a rising second-year medical student. ”
“This summer was nothing short of amazing. I had the opportunity to shadow and learn from some of the best orthopedic surgeons, allowing me to pick their brains and gain invaluable insights. At the start of the summer, I wasn't sure if orthopedics was the right path for me. However, by the end, I felt extremely confident that this is what I want to pursue, and I believe I can achieve it. Participating in a program like this was fantastic because I was surrounded by like-minded individuals who are as passionate about a career in orthopedics as I am. We pushed each other to learn more about anatomy and various surgical approaches. My favorite part of the summer was going to the cadaver lab, where we performed surgeries on actual cadavers that we had previously observed. It was a full-circle moment, seeing knee arthroscopy and then performing it the next day. I couldn't have asked for a better summer.”
“Participating in the Emory Orthopaedic Summer Scholars Program was immensely rewarding and profoundly impactful. Shadowing in the OR and clinical settings provided me with invaluable firsthand experience and insights into the field of orthopaedics. The attendings and residents I had the privilege of shadowing were exemplary role models; they demonstrated what it means to be a dedicated and compassionate physician. Professional development seminars and dynamic group discussions offered the guidance and support essential for success, helping me to grow both personally and professionally. It was an honor to have gone through this program under the incredible guidance and leadership of Dr. Conduah (among other fantastic faculty) and alongside my fellow scholars, who are equally dedicated to making the world a better place through medicine and orthopedic surgery. The Emory Orthopaedic Summer Scholars Program solidified my passion and commitment to the field of orthopaedic surgery. Because of this program, "I want to be an orthopaedic surgeon" became "I can be an orthopaedic surgeon."
“Participating in the Emory Summer Scholars Program was an invaluable experience that deepened my understanding of both the technical and compassionate aspects of the field. Throughout the program, I observed various surgical procedures, engaged with experienced surgeons, and gained firsthand insight into patient care and recovery processes. This exposure not only honed my clinical skills but also emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork and patient-centered care. I believe a program like this is essential for aspiring medical professionals as they bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world practice, fostering a more comprehensive and empathetic approach to healthcare.”
“ My internship at Emory has been an invaluable experience, offering me a firsthand view of orthopedic practice and a glimpse into the life of a resident. This opportunity provided crucial insights that will guide my future career decisions. I am deeply grateful to every attending physician, resident, and staff member who generously shared their knowledge and expertise with us throughout the summer. Their mentorship and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of this specialized field, and I am eager to apply what I have learned as I continue to pursue my medical aspirations.“