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Ruth Jackson-Steindler Orthopedic Clerkship

The University of Iowa, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the Jackson-Steindler Orthopedic Clerkship. One or two outstanding medical students who have successfully completed the third year of medical school at a LCME-accredited institution and who have an interest in orthopedics will be selected for this award. The award will include a $1500 stipend to assist with travel and housing. Successful applicants will have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and an interest in advancing diversity within the specialty of orthopedics. 

The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Iowa is one of the premiere academic orthopedic departments in the United States and attracts individuals from throughout the United States and multiple foreign countries who come to Iowa City to advance their education.

The Jackson-Steindler Clerkship awardees will participate in the clinical services at the University of Iowa, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, the educational programs including conferences and surgical skills education as well as have the opportunity to participate in research conferences. During the Ruth Jackson-Steindler clerkship the awardees will give a 10-15 minute talk on diversity during one of the department’s educational conferences. 

The Jackson-Steindler Orthopedic Clerkship continues our long commitment to excellence, service, and diversity. The department was founded by Arthur Steindler who immigrated to the United States because of limited opportunities he faced in Austria. After establishing the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation in Iowa City in 1913, he sought to provide educational and career opportunities for individuals who shared his commitment to excellence, service, and diversity. Ruth Jackson was one of those individuals. After graduating from medical school, she sought education in surgery, but few in any programs would accept her. When she contacted Arthur Steindler, he enthusiastically offered her a position in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Iowa. Ruth Jackson is now recognized as the first woman orthopedic surgeon in the United States and the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, an organization devoted to advancing women in orthopedics, is named in her honor.

Applications will be accepted beginning March 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024.  (Orthopedic Clerkship Course Descriptions)

Rotation Dates (Rotation dates cannot be adjusted)

  • 7/8/2024-8/2/2024
  • 8/5/2024-8/30/2024
  • 9/2/2024-9/27/2024
  • 9/30/2024-10/25/2024

Applicants must submit an application form to be considered for this award.

In addition to completing the application, applicants to the program are required to include the following for consideration. All materials should be sent as email attachments in one email to: diversity-clerkship@uiowa.edu.

  1. Medical school transcripts (official or unofficial)
  2. A letter of recommendation from any dean of your medical school
  3. One additional letter of recommendation from a faculty member
  4. A current resume or curriculum vitae including a list of research experience and copies of any published material
  5. A personal statement regarding your interest in this clerkship and your commitment to excellence, service and diversity in the field of orthopedics

All application materials must be received by March 31, 2024 for consideration.

Applicants must be enrolled in an LCME accredited medical school.

For more information, please visit our Orthopedic Medical Student website.

Questions? Please contact Program Coordinator, Tonia Johnston, tonia-johnston@uiowa.edu.