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Orthopaedic Surgery Specialties Clerkship

The University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery provides each resident with the opportunity to gain a well-rounded education and surgical training in the fundamentals of the science and the art of orthopaedic surgery, from which he/she should be able to carry on continued learning for the remainder of his/her professional career. The University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has worked to further advance its objectives of excellence in patient care, education and research. Progress and growth have occurred in each of these areas. The objectives of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the University are to provide the medical and administrative personnel, physical facilities and financial support necessary for (a) teaching related to diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, (b) patient care, and (c) research.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is designed to obtain a careful balance between academic theoretical learning and practical experience to provide a resident with education and experience and graduated exposure to surgical techniques through a system of categorical orthopaedic rotations. Research opportunity is available and encouraged. All residents participate in clinical research and those so inclined are involved in laboratory research projects. The program designs its patient service, teaching and research to expose the student and resident to a wide variety of orthopaedic problems. By continual critical review of all parts of the program and by frequent change, we attempt to provide an environment conducive to learning and one which encourages the highly motivated, inquisitive and responsible trainee to attain maximum creativity and productivity as he/she strives toward excellence. The prime goal of this program is the teaching of exemplary patient care. To this end, the selection and development of the professional staff is of prime importance.

It is the department's belief that the residency years are an extension of the educational process rather than an "apprenticeship." The following concepts are therefore emphasized: educational balance, a strong basic science foundation, continuity of patient care, close faculty participation in all phases of the learning process, and an emphasis on the "why" as well as the "how" of orthopaedic surgery. Since a complete operative experience is impossible in any orthopaedic residency, an understanding of anatomy, biology and pathology of the musculoskeletal system is essential for the continued development of surgical skills after completion years. Stated another way, if one understands basic principles (the "why"), he will find his own methods. Therefore, an effort is made to relate clinical problems to basic science precepts.

It is especially clear in orthopaedic surgery that therapeutic effectiveness often can be evaluated only in the light of long-term results. Therefore, patients are followed for long period, of time even after treatment is completed, to provide the opportunity for long-term evaluation of different forms of therapy.

This program designs its patient service, teaching, and research to expose the student and resident to a wide variety of orthopaedic problems. By continual critical review of all parts of the program and by frequent change, we attempt to provide an environment conducive to learning and one that encourages the highly motivated, inquisitive and responsible trainee to attain maximal creativity and productivity as he/she strives to become an excellent orthopaedic surgeon. The prime goal of the program is the teaching of exemplary patient care.

Philosophy of the Department

  • Emphasize the pathophysiology of disease and trauma to provide the orthopaedic student with an understanding of the current and future diagnostic and therapeutic measures;
  • Teach a method of treatment the faculty has found to be most effective and yet make the student aware of other approaches;
  • Provide maximum supervision and contact with students;
  • Teach ambulatory and outpatient care as well as inpatient care;
  • Promote clinical and basic research; and
  • Teach the art as well as the science of medicine since medicine is the art of applying a science.

The objectives of the department are essentially to fulfill the stated purpose and philosophy of the department but can be stated further as:

  • Providing the medical student with a core of information concerning the musculoskeletal system that all physicians should have and making the student aware of orthopaedics as a possible career choice;
  • Providing the educational experiences necessary for an orthopaedic resident to become a confident orthopaedic surgeon; and,
  • Providing continued education for the staff and practitioners of orthopaedic surgery locally and at the national level.

The diligent efforts and outstanding contributions of all personnel in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery are most appreciated.  This subsequent report contains the specifics of the department¹s progress, growth, achievements and contributions.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is to be recognized as a leader in teaching and research in orthopaedics and to provide unsurpassed patient care.

We will achieve this position of leadership within orthopaedic surgery by:

  • Devoting sufficient faculty time to didactic lectures as well as clinical and operating room teaching, so the best graduating University of Tennessee students choose orthopaedics for postgraduate training;
  • Dominating the field of teaching and training new orthopaedic surgeons;
  • Being a leader in the quality and quantity of published materials including Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics;
  • Expanding our basic science orthopaedic research as well as continuing our clinical research efforts;
  • Providing unsurpassed care to our patients which encompasses the latest known techniques and thinking in orthopaedic surgery; and,
  • Serving in leadership capacities on University committees, local and national orthopaedic societies and organizations and the medical staffs of which we are members.

Required Orthopaedic Lectures

  • Examination of the Hand and Wrist - David L. Cannon, MD
  • Common Hand Problems - Mark T. Jobe, MD
  • Common Foot Problems - E. Greer Richardson, MD
  • Pediatrics - Derek Kelly, MD
  • Soft Tissue Trauma - Anthony Mascioli, MD
  • Casts and Splints - Residents
  • Total Joint Replacement – William M. Mihalko, MD
  • Trauma - John C. Weinlein, MD
  • Skill Session – X-ray Cases in Sports Medicine - David D. Spence, MD
May 26, 2022