As a new generation of orthopedic surgeons prepares to join the workforce, Becker’s connected with three seasoned professionals to discuss what advice they would give for residents just starting out in the field.
Ask Orthopedic Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to orthopedic surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker’s invites all orthopedic surgeon and specialist responses.
Next question: What motivates you to stay in the field of orthopedics, even during challenging times?
Please send responses to Claire Wallace at cwallace@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CDT Friday, June 13.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: If you could give one piece of advice to a resident starting in orthopedics today, what would it be?
Joseph Lamplot, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist at Endeavor Health Orthopaedic & Spine Institute (Des Plaines, Ill.): You will gain an important skillset on every clinical rotation during your residency. The fine dissection skills that I learned during my hand rotation allow me to confidently, safely, and efficiently work around nerves when performing knee and elbow reconstructions in my sports medicine practice. The physical exam and diagnostic skills that I learned during my spine rotation allow me to effectively diagnose and treat cervical pathology that is regularly encountered in my shoulder clinic. Most importantly, your learning will not end when residency and fellowship end. Many of the surgical techniques, implants, and therapeutics that I use now were not available when I trained. An effective orthopaedic surgeon must stay current and be willing to constantly evolve in the best interest of our patients.
Brett Shore, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at DISC Sports & Spine Center (Marina del Rey, Calif.): Take some time to learn about the different types of orthopedic practice — private practice (solo and group), employed, academic — and ask questions of the orthopedic surgeons that you work with about the pros and cons of their particular type of practice.
Jaclyn Jankowski, DO. Orthopedic Surgeon at RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group (Hamilton, N.J.): Find mentors early and gain exposure to orthopedics as soon as you know you’re interested, which was high school for me. Shadow other orthopedists in the OR or in a clinic setting to truly understand what the day-to-day entails, to know if it’s something you want to pursue long-term. Orthopedics is a competitive specialty, and I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible, influential mentors throughout my career. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help relieve my patients’ pain and restore their mobility.
