Purpose: Although more than half of all medical graduates are now female, orthopaedics has experienced the least growth of all primary surgical fields in attracting female residency candidates. Our purpose was to identify ways to enhance female interest in orthopaedic surgery as a career.

Method: The effect of exposure on interest in orthopaedics was studied prospectively for two years. Enrollment data regarding student demographics, interest, and exposure to orthopaedic, general, or other surgical subspecialties was obtained from two medical schools. At 6 month intervals, students were offered electronically-based orthopaedic literature, elective lectures, and were resurveyed for exposure and interest level. Univariate analysis was performed between demographics, background, exposure variables and interest levels. Change in exposure was further analyzed against change in interest with a multivariate logistic regression model constructed using significant associations along with gender.

Results: 274 females and 73 male controls enrolled. Baseline increased interest in orthopaedics was correlated in a multivariate model with personal experiences as musculoskeletal patient and/or researcher, among others (p< 0.05). Interim enhanced exposure to orthopaedic web materials was significantly associated with increased interest, intent to enroll in an elective, and intent to apply for orthopaedics or sports medicine. Interestingly, no associations with other surgical specialties were found, and gender was not a significant independent determinant of interest and intent in this model.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that interest among female medical students can be significantly increased by enhancing exposure to orthopaedic subject matter during medical school. Early exposure may prove a critical tool in recruiting more women into orthopaedic surgery, which will be necessary to meet the anticipated demands of the growing orthopaedic patient population.