On October 22, the Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group (OSIG) at Duke University School of Medicine hosted its annual “Intro to Orthopaedic Surgery” event, welcoming approximately 40 enthusiastic medical students — most of them first-years — who are exploring careers in orthopaedic surgery. The evening featured engaging presentations, networking opportunities, and a casual dinner with pizza.
The program was led by Dr. Ben Alman, chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Dr. Kendall Bradley, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. Together, they provided an insightful overview of the diverse career paths within orthopaedics and offered practical guidance on how students can begin preparing for competitive residency applications early in their medical training.
Third-year medical students Lindsey Ruderman and Paula Viza Gomes co-organized the event, which has become a cornerstone of Duke Med’s commitment to fostering early interest in surgical specialties. Open to all Duke medical students, OSIG events offer a welcoming space to explore orthopaedics, build connections, and begin shaping future careers.
“It was incredible to see so many of my classmates energized and curious about orthopaedic surgery,” said Ruderman. “The opportunity to hear directly from leaders in the field and connect with peers who share similar interests made the event truly special.”