Medical Student Education

Overview

MED523 Musculoskeletal System

MED523 Musculoskeletal System is a seven week mandatory course during Year 2 at the University of Alberta in which medical students are introduced to anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disorders of the skin and the musculoskeletal system including trauma and fracture healing.

SURG556 Specialty Surgery

SURG556 Specialty Surgery is a four week mandatory course during Year 4 at the University of Alberta in which medical students can spend one of those weeks in Orthopaedic Surgery. There are many learning environments that students will be in during this week, including:

Physician Offices

Students will see and perform examinations of the major joints as well as having the opportunity to see some of these presentations:

  • Spine Low Back Pain
    • Spinal Stenosis
    • Disc Herniation
  • Hip Osteoarthritis
    • Gait Abnormality
  • Knee Osteoarthirits
    • Meniscal Tear
    • ACL Tear
  • Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear
    • Unstable Shoulder
  • Ankle injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Wrist/elbow injuries

Some students will also have the opportunity to see cases of Scoliosis, Intoeing, Congenital Hip Dysplasia and Foot Deformities with Paediatric surgeons.

Operating Room

Students will observe and assist various elective and emergent orthopaedic procedures including:

  • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Fractures
  • Total Hip Replacement
  • Total Knee Replacement
  • Spine Surgery (Decompression, Fusion or Discectomy)
  • Knee Arthroscopy
  • Shoulder Arthroscopy

Emergency Room

Students will observe and assist with:

  • Closed Reduction of Distal Radius Fracture
  • Management of an Open Fracture
  • Splinting Fractures in Preparation for the OR

Students should achieve the following:

  • Learn how to describe fractures on X-ray
  • Understand Salter Grading of epiphyseal injury
  • Understand Compartment Syndrome
  • See and assist closed reduction of shoulder dislocation
  • See application of Skeletal Traction

Clinical Electives

The Division of Orthopaedic Surgery invites medical students to complete a clinical elective at the University of Alberta for an immersive experience with many of our staff and residents. For more information on how to apply for an elective click here

For information on scheduling an elective contact:
Hannah Quedado, Program Administrator
Undergraduate Office of Surgical Education
Phone: (780) 735-5953
Email: specsurg@ualberta.ca