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MENTORED DOWN PATHWAYS TO ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
The M . D . Class of 2024 notched a significant achievement for the Florida State University College of Medicine with four graduates heading to residency programs in orthopedic surgery .
Decorian “ Corey ” North will continue his training at the University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham , Ala .; Nicholas “ Nick ” Thomas at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville , Tenn .; Barbara Pierre Louis at Yale University-New Haven Hospital in New Haven , Conn .; and Matthew “ Matt ” Williamson at Orlando Health .
“ While we are obviously proud of all our graduates , to have matched four in such a competitive specialty as orthopedic surgery is quite an accomplishment for each of them and for our College of Medicine ,” Dean Alma Littles , M . D ., said . “ We know they will carry with them our mission of patient-centered health care and being responsive to community needs throughout their careers .”
Adding a layer of sheen to an already impressive feat , three of the four – North , Pierre Louis and Thomas – are from underserved , underrepresented communities and have overcome challenges many can only imagine . What made the difference for them ? Pathway programs and mentoring .
“ We can ’ t downplay the extreme hard work , resilience and grit these students have shown in matching in one of the most competitive specialties in medicine and doing it at some of the best programs in the country ,” said Senior Associate Dean for Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences Anthony Speights , M . D . “ That ’ s impressive for all who achieve it , but matching three students from an underrepresented demographic into these orthopedic residencies reinforces how integral pathway programs and strong mentorship can be .”
By Audrey Post FSU College of Medicine
Orthopedic surgery focuses on bones , joints , muscles , tendons , and ligaments .
The National Institutes of Health reported earlier this year that in 2022 , 40 % of applicants failed to match in orthopedic surgery , despite each having applied to an average of 72 programs . These were talented , dedicated applicants ; there just aren ’ t enough residency slots available to train orthopedic surgeons to treat a growing , and graying , population .
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Florida State University College of Medicine
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