Clinical orthopaedics and related research
-
Entrapment of the anterior division of the obturator nerve is a recently described cause of medial groin pain. This anatomic study examines the extrapelvic course of the nerve and related fascia in the adductor region to provide an anatomic basis for the syndrome and to aid in surgical treatment. Twelve anatomic specimen limbs were dissected to document the extrapelvic course of the obturator nerve, the myofascial arrangement, and the vasculature. ⋯ The arterial supply to the adductor muscles is related intimately to the nerve and its branches, with associated local thickening of the fascial connective tissue. The relationship between the nerve, vessels, and fascia appears sufficient to result in an entrapment syndrome. The anatomic findings from this series will help plan the surgical treatment of this condition.
-
The rapidly growing population of the United States is becoming more diversified in its ethnicity. Conversely, the orthopaedic profession has not kept pace with this increase. Although 1/3 of the total population is comprised of Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americans, only 7% of all orthopaedic surgeons represent these minorities. ⋯ Misconceptions on the part of the minority students, medical school admissions committees, and directors of orthopaedic residency training programs may lead to negative impressions and results. The purpose of this paper is to make the orthopaedic community aware of this disparity and the barriers that underrepresented minority students encounter. Hopefully an appropriate positive response by those who have the ability to make a difference will result, thus facilitating the pathway for the minority student to become an orthopaedic surgeon.
-
Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · May 1999
Biography Historical Article Classical ArticleThe black in American medicine. 1981.
-
Orthopaedic surgery represents a specialty in which applicants are abundant, residency slots are limited, and all candidates presumably are qualified. Orthopaedic residency programs have members of the resident selection committee review medical school performance measures for the purpose of screening candidates to interview and, subsequently, include on their rank order lists for the residency match process. The performance measures universally reviewed include the United States Medical Licensing Examination scores, Alpha Omega Alpha distinction, grade point averages, class rank, personal statements and letters of recommendation. ⋯ Although the selection process is open to any medical student or medical school graduate, the process fails to make any substantive strides in addressing the diminutive representation of certain ethnic and racial minorities within the profession. The intent of this manuscript is to expatiate on the effect various dynamics have on the orthopaedic profession, relative to underrepresented minorities in the profession. Those dynamics comprise (1) the size of the applicant pool; (2) the applicant screening criteria; (3) the underrepresented minority specialty preference; and (4) the perception underrepresented minorities have of orthopaedic surgeons.
-
Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · May 1999
Challenges and opportunities of racial diversity in medical education.
Racial and cultural diversity in the physician workforce (in orthopaedics this includes women) is an essential if the best healthcare for the American people is to be provided. The percentage of minorities to the white population is increasing yet their representation in medical schools and the practicing community has not risen at that same pace. Affirmative Action efforts continue to be challenged as lowering standards and depriving better qualified students admission to medical schools. ⋯ Affirmative Action should not be looked on as lowering standards, but using all available information in the selection process for medical school and residency training to ensure that the medical profession more closely mirrors the diverse racial and ethnic background of the United States population. How far a person has come and the adversity they have overcome may have far greater impact on making the correct diagnosis and setting out a proper treatment plan that the patient will accept than mastering test taking in the biologic and physical sciences. Obtaining racial and cultural diversity in the medical profession should be a national imperative.