MEL 8823: Orthopaedics Acting Internship

Dr. G. Douglas Letson, Dr. David Leffers, and Orthopaedic Faculty (Tampa)

Dr. Eric Lebby (LVHN)

This elective will give prospective orthopaedic residents exposure with the Program Director, Dr. G. Douglas Letson, and the Department Chair, Dr. David Leffers. Students will also have the opportunity to work with the faculty and residents of the Department of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. Students on this rotation will experience the clinical and surgical treatment of benign and malignant disease, sports medicine injuries and trauma of the musculoskeletal system. Students will spend one week at the Moffitt Cancer Center-Sarcoma Department, one week at the Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare-Sports Medicine Clinic, one week at Tampa General Hospital-Orthopaedic Trauma, and one week at the James A. Haley Veterans Administration-General Orthopaedics.

Objectives

1. Understand the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system, with emphasis on the upper and lower extremities and joints
2. Accurately diagnose, properly manage, and appropriately consult for common orthopedic conditions and emergencies
3. Understand which x-rays are appropriate to order for each common condition, and how to interpret them.
4. Demonstrate understanding of aspiration and injection techniques
5. Explain the treatment of simple and complex fractures, bone infection and neoplasms
6. Demonstrate understanding of the management of complex soft tissue injuries as they relate to the musculoskeletal system
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the elements of the orthopaedic examination of the injured patient
8. Understand the multidisciplinary role of the Orthopedic Surgeon, Physician Assistant, Nurse, Operating Room Team, Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainers in the provision of coordinated, safe and high quality Orthopaedic care

Learning outcomes

Students will participate in the weekly orthopaedic core lecture series on Friday mornings from 7 am -11 am. Upon completion of this elective, the trainee should understand the principles of diagnosis and management of patients with musculoskeletal trauma, abnormalities or diseases.

Evaluation

Evaluations will be done on an individual basis by the clinical preceptors and will be based on patient interaction, case presentations, medical plans, and documentation.

Any interested student MUST get final approval from the Education Coordinator, Ann Joyce, to plan the elective. Ideally, this should be done prior to the start of the academic year but MUST OCCUR AT LEAST 1 MONTH PRIOR TO THE START OF THE ELECTIVE. There are additional compliance forms from UCH and Moffitt that the student MUST complete before their rotation.