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Medical Students Senior Clerkship Program

Our Senior Clerkship Program is open to fourth-year medical students and is designed to enhance students' understanding of the surgical principles involved in the treatment of orthopedic conditions.

four gowned residents in the OR
students in the skills lab

Students complete the four-week program at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. The rotation is divided between two services. One week will be spent with either the department chair, Dr. Paul Schroeppel, or the program director, Dr. Kyle Sweeney. The remaining three weeks will be spent on an available subspeciality (inquire for subspeciality availability with course coordinator). Students receive instruction and experience in examination and treatment of patients with orthopedic conditions through clinical and operative exposure. Students will rotate on two different services (3 weeks/1 week). Clinical demonstrations, conferences and 1-on-1 mentorship opportunities form the basis for instruction.

Rotation Goals
  • Learn the evaluation and management of common musculoskeletal conditions and the rationale for operative intervention
  • Expand skills and knowledge in outpatient clinic, inpatient rooms and in the OR
  • Opportunity to develop relationships with faculty and residents. which can lead to mentor/mentee relationship, letters of recommendation and comprehensive evaluation for their readiness to be an orthopedic resident
Rotation Activities

Sub-I students participate in the following activities:

  • Make rounds with residents and attending staff
  • Attend conferences
  • Participate in inpatient surgery responsibilities
  • Diagnostic workups using routine and diagnostic examinations
  • Operative and non-operative treatment modalities
  • Diagnose and treat common musculoskeletal complaints, degenerative and traumatic conditions and spine diseases
  • Manage the treatment of fractures, their reductions and follow-up care
Application Process

The University of Kansas Medical Center will begin accepting VSLO applications for visiting students for the upcoming academic year on or after April 10. KU Medical Center also anticipates opening and processing applications in VSLO on a rolling basis for rotations in June 2025 through October 2025.

If you have any questions regarding the application requirements, please contact the KU Medical Center Registrar’s Office at kumcregistrar@kumc.edu.

  • Department Director for Undergraduate Medical Education: Joe Weiner, M.D.
  • Course Coordinator: Amy Phillips, aphillips3@kumc.edu

Apply below: only complete applications will be considered

Visiting Student Learning Opportunities™ (VSLO®) | Students & Residents

For further questions, please contact Amy Phillips.

KU School of Medicine

University of Kansas Medical Center
Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Mail Stop 3017
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-588-6100