a person in scrubs and surgical gear looking at a screen
Orthopaedic Surgery Medical Student Programs

Our department provides an exciting educational experience for medical students that involves interaction with our patients, faculty and staff.

Third and fourth-year branch students (M3 and M4) selecting orthopaedic surgery are offered clinical rotations in outpatient clinical settings or inpatients with both clinical and surgical exposure. Our diverse faculty encompass the complete spectrum of orthopedic subspecialties, preparing you for residency and guiding you on the path to being a physician making a meaningful impact in your area of interest.

We also invite visiting 4th year medical students interested in orthopedics to join us for a similar clinical rotation.  This is an opportunity to explore the specialty, discover Ann Arbor, and experience what sets the University of Michigan Medical School Department of Orthopaedic Surgery apart. 

Goals of the Program

Training Future Leaders in Surgery

Medical student education is a top priority for the Department Orthopedic of Surgery. The goals of our program are to:

  • Ensure that all students obtain fundamental knowledge in the surgical sciences
  • Provide basic surgical training and diverse hands-on skills competencies
  • Provide exposure to surgical subspecialties
  • Mentor students interested in a career in surgery
  • Foster engagement in research and innovation
What You Will Learn

Students will practice clinical exams and surgical skills, focusing on a more hands-on approach. Additionally, students will be mentored on presentation skills, the use of diagnostic imaging, and coordinating comprehensive musculoskeletal care. Our partnership with the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital provides an additional unique experience in general orthopedic care. Didactic sessions incorporating lectures and case-based learning accompany the clinical rotations.

Inpatient Service Rotations include: Orthopedic Trauma, Joint Reconstruction, Pediatric Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Foot and Ankle, Hand, and Spine.

Visiting Student Program

U-M Medical School will begin accepting Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) applications for visiting students for the upcoming academic year during the first week of February. We anticipate opening and processing applications in VSLO around mid-April with offers extended starting mid-May for rotations during the months of July to October.

Applications Open: First week of February
Submission Deadline: Mid-April
Awardees will be notified by: Mid-May
Apply below: only complete applications will be considered

To ensure equitable opportunities for all students, all elective requests should go through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) application process. Faculty and students should not make individual arrangements.

View eligibility requirements and the application process

Contact Us
Visiting Student Office

For further questions regarding UMMS ORTHSURG VSLO SUBI, the Visiting Student Office at [email protected]

Course Director: William R. Aibinder, MD 
Course Coordinator: Rebecca Salyer 

Health Advancement Visiting Clerkship

Michigan Medicine’s Office for Health Equity and Inclusion also offers a 4-week Health Advancement Visiting Clerkship. This can be paired with your visiting rotation and promotes the development of medical student’s interest in health equity and inclusion.

Learn more about the Clerkship
Orthopaedic Surgery Student Interest Group (OSSIG)

Orthopaedic Surgery Student Interest Group (OSSIG) is a group for UMMS students who wish to explore the field of Orthopaedic Surgery as a potential career path. Meetings and events are usually held once a month and explore different aspects of what an Orthopaedic Surgeon does and what steps are involved in becoming one.

Previous events have included:

  • Expectations to match into Orthopaedics
  • Casting workshops
  • History of Orthopaedic Devices
  • Meeting with M4s who have been matched into an Orthopaedic residency
  • Lunch case presentations
Contact Us
Rebecca Salyer
GME Program Admin Associate
MM Orthopaedic Surgery
Program Leadership
portrait of William R. Aibinder William R Aibinder, MD, FAAOS
Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical Student Clerkship Director
Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical School
user Rebecca Salyer
Clerkship Coordinator