The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation takes pride in connecting and helping our community in various ways.  Departmental faculty and residents are involved in the Iowa City Free Clinic and in STEM outreach programs.

Free Clinic

Joseph Buckwalter, V, MD, PhD and Benjamin Miller, MD, MS, volunteer at the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic.  This monthly orthopedic clinic provides quality care to those who have difficulty accessing  health care.  Frequently our residents will participate providing an educational opportunity in addition to a way to give back to our community.

STEM Programs

This past year, faculty and residents from the University of Iowa Department of Orthopedics participated in annual Girls Go STEM and KIDS Go STEM events hosted by the University of Iowa. Participants at the event were invited to talk with orthopedic faculty and residents to learn about the educational path and the many facets of a career in Orthopedics. Middle school students had the opportunity to practice orthopedic skills, such as fracture fixation with screws and plates on model bones, use arthroscopic tools and use plaster for casts.  Feedback was positive with 90% of participants rating sessions as “awesome” or “good.”

Perry Initiative Program

In 2019, the department hosted a Perry Initiative Program aimed at female medical students interested in learning more about a career in orthopedics.  The event allows for discussions on career choices, in addition to, hands on learning opportunities like using power tools and sawbones to practice orthopedic techniques.  Feedback was extremely positive and future events are planned aimed at high school girls, interested in learning more about becoming orthopedic surgeons.  The women in the department are looking forward to future STEM events to help educate and motivate the next generation of female surgeons.