Northwest Campus

Orthopaedic Surgery

Williston Basin Orthopedic Associates

SURG 9405

Participating Faculty:  Ravindra Joshi, M.D.

Offered: All
Positions: One per period

Objectives of the Elective:

  1. To increase basic knowledge of functional musculoskeletal anatomy.
  2. To perform history and physical examination of orthopaedic patients and to make recommendations for care.
  3. To evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with common ambulatory orthopaedic complaints.
  4. To develop basic technical skills in the care and management of orthopaedic patients (e.g., arthrocentesis, cast application and removal, etc.).
  5. To assist in minor and/or major orthopaedic surgery cases if desired.

Instructional Activities:

  1. Daily discussion of patients seen with question and answer session.
  2. Observation of technical performance by preceptor, followed by student performance when appropriate.
  3. Didactic sessions during latter part of elective to cover basic orthopaedic problems not encountered during the rotation.
  4. Assigned reading to ensure that an exposure to basic ambulatory orthopaedic care has been adequately experienced and/or discussed.

Standards of Performance (Outcomes) Indicating Attainment of Objectives:

  1. Daily recommended reading related to current problems encountered, followed by discussion between preceptor and student within twenty-four hours. (Reading material will be made readily available by the preceptor.)
  2. Preceptor will maintain a confidential journal of student's attitudes, behavior, appearance, and intellectual curiosity.
  3. Actual performance of basic orthopaedic skill will be evaluated throughout the elective. Basic knowledge from recommended reading will be evaluated through daily discussions between preceptor and student.
  4. A written evaluation will be presented to the student and the assistant dean for the northwest campus.

Criteria for Grading:

  1. Thoroughness of orthopaedic history and physical examination.
  2. Showing an interest in the patient's chief complaint(s) by listening first and then asking pertinent questions.
  3. Enthusiasm for obtaining knowledge about specific musculoskeletal disorders by asking questions and reading.
  4. Basic skills obtained in physical examination and treatment (arthrocentesis, cast application/removal, suture placement, etc.)