Course Description: This course provides a hands-on introduction to the practical and social aspects of orthopedic healthcare delivery, and medical practice in general, in consideration of time and student interest in specific topics. There are no prerequisites for the course beyond an interest in learning about orthopedic surgery and challenges facing it and all of healthcare today and in the immediate future. Students learn anatomy and surgical approaches, physical examination, critical assessment of peer reviewed medical articles, social determinants of health, payment methods: fee for service, single payer, value based payment, and implications of private equity, the process of medical school and specialization if students desire, orthopedic pain management and the current status of opioid use.

This course will give students interested in exploring the practice of medicine some hands-on and lit-review experience in the orthopedics specialty, while also exposing them to foundational social, political, and financial issues affecting the delivery of healthcare in the U.S. today and for the near future. Topics covered:

1. Hip, knee, shoulder and ankle anatomy; physical exam and surgical approaches 
2. Advances in surgical techniques including arthroscopic surgery, use of robotics and  biologics in orthopedic surgery, use of artificial intelligence in orthopedics
3. Methods to read and assess peer-reviewed medical articles critically
4. Healthcare payment models
5. Social determinants of health including racial and economic healthcare  disparities, patient-centered care and population health
6. Diversity in medicine and especially lack of diversity in orthopedic surgery
7. Pain management in orthopedic surgery and the current status of opioid use
8. Life balance and maintaining mental health during medical school, residency and as a physician

Learning Goals: In taking this course, students will

1. Gain foundational knowledge of anatomy and surgical approaches in orthopedics, particularly focusing on hip and knee arthroplasty, ankle fracture care, and engage in introductory hands-on experiences using sawbones.
2. Develop proficiency in conducting physical examinations for shoulder and knee ailments.
3. Explore advancements in orthopedic surgery techniques, including arthroscopy, robotics, biologics, the role of artificial intelligence, and pain management through analysis of peer-reviewed medical articles critically.
4. Understand the multifaceted landscape of healthcare systems, encompassing various payment models, the impact of private equity on healthcare, racial and economic healthcare disparities, and lack of diversity in orthopedic surgery.