To shift the gender dynamic in the practice and study of orthopaedic surgery, future orthopaedic surgeons Lulla Kiwinda and Dana Rowe co-led the creation of the inaugural Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS) chapter at Duke University this year. The mission of RJOS is to promote the professional development of women in orthopaedics throughout all stages of their careers.
This was the first year the national organization allowed for medical school chapters, and female-identifying students at Duke interested in orthopaedic surgery were highly excited about the opportunity.
The chapter currently stands at 30 med-student members. Female-identifying residents and faculty have also been integral in this year's success. Members of the organization participated in a multitude of events throughout the year, including panel discussions with residents, decorating holiday greeting cards for inpatient pediatric patients, supporting the annual Perry Initiative, dinner gatherings, and most recently, a wine and cheese event in collaboration with the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC) medical students, residents, and faculty.
After the mixer, UNC students reached out about starting their own RJOS chapter, and their application is underway. Students in the organization have consistently remarked on how joyful it has been to have spaces with so many orthopaedic women present.
According to the Duke chapter faculty sponsor, Melissa Erickson, MD, “We are excited to continue to grow the Duke RJOS chapter in the coming years as we pave the way for future female orthopaedic surgeons.”
The events hosted this year were:
- Sub-internship panel with residents and fourth-year medical students
- Holiday card-making for inpatient pediatric patients
- Support of the annual Perry Initiative
- Medical student-resident dinner
- Joint mixer with UNC women in ortho
- Post-match panel with MS4s