"Distanced Traveled" Program Increases Interest in Orthopedics in Title I High School Students

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Title I high schools serve a high percentage of students from low-income families.
• Underrepresented minority students face barriers to orthopedic medicine exposure, including limited role models and misconceptions.
• Early exposure to musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine is crucial for diversifying the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Distance Traveled program in increasing interest and knowledge of orthopedic surgery among Title I high school students.
• To address barriers to orthopedic education, such as limited field exposure and negative stereotypes.
• To foster a more diverse future orthopedic surgery workforce.

Main Methods:

• A pipeline initiative involving hands-on simulations, mock surgeries, and expert lectures.
• Pre- and post-program surveys assessed changes in participants' interest, career orientation, and knowledge.
• Data were analyzed using within-subject T-tests with an alpha of 0.05.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements were observed in participants' interest in orthopedics (p=0.003) and inclination toward medical school and orthopedic careers (p=0.014, p=0.02).
• Participants showed improved perceptions of orthopedic surgeons (p=0.012) and enhanced familiarity with orthopedic terminology and confidence (p=0.001).
• The program reached 160 diverse students in its inaugural year, with 36% Black or African American, 65% Hispanic, and 72% female participants.

Conclusions:

• The Distance Traveled program is an effective model for increasing access to orthopedic surgery education for underrepresented students.
• The program demonstrates potential to broaden the physician workforce by improving early exposure and interest in orthopedics.
• Targeted initiatives in Title I schools can successfully address disparities in medical field representation.