AALOS Mentorship Program
AALOS is committed to fostering diversity amongst orthopedic surgeons that will need to provide care of the growing population of Latino patients in the United States. Data from the United States Bone and Joint Initiative indicates that approximately 40% of Latinos experience musculoskeletal complaints. Yet, Latino representation within orthopedic surgery is critically low, with only 2.2% of practicing orthopedic surgeons identify as Latino.
This program is aimed at identifying the next generation of medical students from underrepresented communities that are interested in applying to Orthopedic Surgery residency programs. It is universally known that the barrier to a successful residency program is not lack of talent, but more a systemic issue where for example, some students attend medical schools without home orthopedic residency programs or have limited access to mentorship. This mentorship program will serve as a stepping stone for medical students seeking formalized mentorship to help residency application. Although the goal of your participation in this program is to lead the student to a successful Orthopedic Surgery residency, it will for sure broaden the medical student’s exposure to some of the most recognized and respected Latino Orthopedic Surgeon Attendings and Residents and will enable mentees to broaden their skillset as they prepare for a successful residency.
_________________________
Rafael J. Sierra, MD
AALOS Board Member,
Programming/Scholarships