Medical Students learn how to put on an ex fix.
Published 3/3/2026
The AAOS Medical Student Program welcomes 500 medical students from around the world today for an immersive introduction to the field of orthopaedic surgery. Chaired by Dawn LaPorte, MD, FAAOS; Holly Pilson, MD, FAAOS; and Reid Nichols, MD, FAAOS, the program is one of the meeting’s most anticipated educational offerings, designed to broaden access, build early connections, and expand representation within orthopaedics.
Sponsored in part by an educational grant from Zimmer Biomet, the AAOS Medical Student Program provides students with direct, real-time access to the vitality and innovation of the orthopaedic community. Throughout Tuesday, participants will hear lectures and participate in small group discussions on topics central to navigating the pathway into orthopaedics, including Electronic Residency Application Service applications, interview preparation, leadership development, and advocacy - all essential skills for those exploring a future in orthopaedic surgery.
Students will also hear an address from the AAOS Board of Directors, offering insight and inspiration from the Academy’s leadership.
One of the most anticipated activities is the hands-on external fixator challenge, which allows students to practice fundamental skills in a dynamic and engaging way. Made possible in part through an in-kind donation from Stryker, this activity provides students with early exposure to essential tools and techniques used across orthopaedics. The experience helps demystify the specialty and provides an exciting glimpse into the technical precision and problem-solving that define orthopaedic surgery.
“I have loved watching the AAOS Medical Student Program grow from 50 to 500 students,” said Dr. LaPorte, co-chair of the Medical Student Program. “It is so exciting to feel the positive energy in the room and to watch students from every demographic empowered as they meet and learn from incredible volunteer orthopaedic surgeons and leaders who look like them. I cannot imagine a better program to expose students to our amazing specialty and teach them important leadership lessons, how to apply to orthopaedics, and even how to put on an ex fix.”
New this year, students can evaluate their skills with the Medical Student Orthopaedic Exam. This first-of-its-kind assessment helps students understand their current knowledge, where they stand compared with their peers, and what knowledge they need to strengthen. The exam is also a valuable preparatory tool for residency applications. The exam is free for all Medical Student Program attendees.
A remarkable team of more than 60 volunteers and faculty members is supporting today’s program - surgeons, residents, and educators who have committed their time to teach, guide, and connect with students. Their participation reflects orthopaedics’ strong culture of mentorship and collaboration. These interactions often become pivotal moments for students, offering practical advice, personal stories, and encouragement that can shape their confidence and direction as they consider orthopaedic careers.
Central to the AAOS Medical Student Program is a commitment to expanding representation within orthopaedics. Many attendees come from medical schools without robust orthopaedic departments or accessible mentors, and today’s program provides an inclusive, welcoming environment where every student — regardless of background — can envision a place within the specialty.
Exposure and mentorship are essential for building a stronger and more diverse orthopaedic workforce, and the AAOS Medical Student Program continues to be a key driver of that mission. For the students in attendance, this one-day experience offers inspiration, hands-on exploration, and invaluable insight into a specialty devoted to restoring movement and improving lives. For AAOS and the broader orthopaedic community, it represents an investment in the future - supporting the next generation of surgeons who will carry the specialty forward.