Applying for orthopaedic internships as a medical student can feel overwhelming, but with planning and preparation, it becomes much more manageable. Here are some strategies that worked for me:
1. Plan Ahead
Deadlines sneak up quickly, especially when you’re balancing classes and exams. Make sure you’re looking ahead at application requirements — not just essays, but also letters of recommendation, transcripts, and other materials.
One tool that kept me organized was a spreadsheet I created every year called “Conquering Summer of ___.” In it, I listed:
- All the programs I was applying to
- Deadlines
- Number of recommendation letters required
- Whether they offered a stipend
- My progress on each essay
This made it easier to stay on track and avoid last-minute stress. I also recommend applying to more programs than you think you’ll need — these internships are competitive.
(For a list of summer internships in orthopaedics, you can check out our website!)
2. Writing Essays
When it comes to essays, I started with my general “why medicine” story but tailored it to orthopaedics. Over time, I realized how important it was to highlight issues like the gender gap in orthopaedics. At the time, I had never even met a female orthopaedic surgeon, and that became part of my narrative — my drive to both learn and represent women in the field.
I also emphasized how being an osteopathic student shaped my perspective. Our training in OMM enhances palpation and musculoskeletal exam skills, which translate well into orthopaedic practice.
3. Letters of Recommendation
Don’t stress if you don’t have an orthopaedic surgeon to write your letters. For my first internship, none of my recommenders were orthopaedic surgeons. My letters came from a family medicine doctor I had known for years and a pediatrician I did research with during undergrad.
What mattered most was that they knew me well and could speak to my work ethic, character, and potential as a future physician. Strong letters from mentors who believe in you are more valuable than generic ones from someone in the “right” specialty.
4. Interview Prep
Preparation is everything. I spent a lot of time getting ready for my interview, and it paid off. Orthopaedic internships are very research heavy, which means there’s a wealth of published work from the interns themselves and about the programs themselves.
Before my interview, I read articles, reviewed statistics about underrepresentation in orthopaedics, and familiarized myself with the mission of Nth Dimensions and similar initiatives. This not only helped me answer questions confidently but also gave me a clearer sense of the program’s goals and how I could contribute.
💡 Final tip: The application process can feel intimidating, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on why you’re passionate about orthopaedics. Use your essays and interviews to share your authentic story — that’s what makes you stand out.
