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Women in Orthopaedics

Women in Orthopaedics

Women in orthopaedics are mobilizing around the globe

Orthopaedic surgery is one of the fastest growing surgical specialties and provides physicians with the opportunity to decrease pain and improve function in patients of all ages. Currently, women make up less than 14 percent of residents in orthopaedic surgery—the lowest ratio of any residency program. Further, among practicing Orthopaedic surgeons, only five percent of are women.

The University of Utah School of Medicine’s Department of Orthopaedics is leading the charge to attract women candidates to orthopaedic surgery. At all levels of training and practice, women orthopaedists improve quality and strengthen patient care. We realize that by missing out on half of the medical student pool, our specialty is losing out on hundreds of extremely qualified and competent surgeons that could lead our field for years to come. Our surgeons should be as diverse as the patients we serve.

2024 Ortho Surg Match Women
Growing Opportunities for Women in Orthopaedics

Good News - Growing Opportunities for Women in Orthopaedics

The good news is that the number of women entering orthopaedics is on the rise. Our orthopaedic residency program offers an ideal training environment for all medical students entering residency—men and women.

Orthopaedic surgeons provide care for a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions in both adults and children.  By correcting long standing deformities and acute injuries, orthopaedic surgeons are able to enjoy the satisfaction of providing rapid improvements in patients quality of life. 

Orthopaedic Residency

The University of Utah School of Medicine’s Orthopaedic Surgery residency program offers outstanding benefits and opportunities to our residents’ needs. 

Opportunities to work with national leaders in all areas of Orthopaedic Surgery, including: 

  • Pediatrics
  • Hand Surgery
  • Sports
  • Foot and Ankle
  • Arthroplasty and Spine
     

Our residency program boasts:

  • Flexibility in clinical experience and workload
  • Abundant Clinical Volume to provide an outstanding clinical experience
  • Well established research teams to allow residents ample opportunities to contribute projects and develop their own
  • Unique location with immediate access to both outdoor activities and a major urban center

 

Explore our orthopaedics residency program and see how we can help you achieve your unique goals

 

Ortho Summer Research Internship Opportunity

  • Location: University of Utah Orthopaedic Center/Shriner’s Hospital
  • Hours: 40 hours per week
  • Duration: 8-10 consecutive weeks (May-Sept)
  • Application Process Opens: August 1
  • Application Process Closes: February 1
  • Selection Process Completed: March 1

     

APPLY NOW

A night of camaraderie of the women in orthopedics

Community

A night of camaraderie of the women in orthopedics, U of U style, including PhDs, research staff, residents, fellows and attendings. We try to do this at an attending’s home multiple times per year.

Women in Orthopaedic Leadership - Chief of Staff Kristen Carroll, MD

Initiatives & Programs

Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society

The mission of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society is to promote the professional development of women in orthopaedics throughout all stages of their careers.

Gladden Society

The Gladden Society’s mission to increase diversity within the orthopaedic profession and promote the highest quality musculoskeletal care for all people. 

Perry Initiative

A Perry Initiative Medical Student Outreach Program is a hands-on introduction to the field of Orthopaedic Surgery for women in medical school.

Contact Us

Melissa Spendlove
Email: melissa.spendlove@hsc.utah.edu

University of Utah Orthopaedic Center
590 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Vision, Mission, Values

Help Progress, Give Today

You can help the Department of Orthopaedics continue to progress with even a small contribution. Give Today!