Furkan Karakas, MD | Diane Ghanem, MD | Majd Marrache, MD
June 9, 2025
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Featuring a guest post from an international contributor, Dr. Karakas (Fifth-Year Faculty, Dokuz Eylul University | Izmir, Türkiye), and two other consulting contributors, Dr. Ghanem (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, Maryland) and Dr. Marrache (Resident, Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, Maryland) .
For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), navigating the competitive field of orthopaedic surgery in the U.S. can feel like an uphill climb. With limited residency spots and a strong emphasis on U.S. clinical experience, strategic building networking becomes not just helpful, but essential. Whether you’re aiming for a residency position, research opportunities, or meaningful mentorship, here are key strategies to help you build authentic connections and stand out.
1Understand the Orthopaedic Landscape
Orthopaedic surgery is among the most competitive specialties in the U.S., and for IMGs, additional hurdles – like visa restrictions and unfamiliarity with the U.S. healthcare system – can make the process even more daunting. Networking, however, can help overcome these barriers by opening doors to mentorship, valuable letters of recommendation, and firsthand insight into residency programs.
2Prioritize U.S. Clinical Experiences
Practical U.S. clinical experience is one of the most impactful ways to build relationships. Observerships, externships, and visiting student electives allow you to work alongside faculty, understand workflows, and demonstrate commitment to orthopaedics.
When selecting institutions, prioritize institutions known for supporting IMGs or those with active global health initiatives. Once on rotation, be prepared and proactive, seek feedback and show interest in creating long-term relationships.
3Use Research to Forge Meaningful Connections
Research is a powerful bridge to mentorship. Whether through case reports, systematic reviews or clinical studies, collaborating with faculty not only strengthens your CV but also creates natural opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. Start by identifying recently published orthopaedic studies that interest you and reach out to the lead authors with a thoughtful, personalized message. Work to publish or present at conferences to further your visibility. Even if the opportunity is unpaid, showing initiative, dependability, and genuine curiosity can lead to deeper involvement and future recommendation letters or introductions to senior contacts in residency programs.
4Attend Orthopaedic Conferences and Be Present
Professional meetings—such as the AAOS, OTA, or specialty-specific gatherings—are more than educational events; they’re powerful networking platforms, in which you can converse with residents, fellows, and attending surgeons. Presenting a poster, volunteering, or simply attending with preparation can lead to valuable introductions. Before the conference, research key attendees and speakers. Prepare a brief, confident summary of your background and goals. Inquire about the speakers or attendees prior to the conference and reference their work during conversation. After meeting someone, follow up with a thank-you email that references your conversation to keep the connection alive.
5Leverage Digital Networking
Digital platforms are the doors to networking in today’s digital age. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and even Instagram offer access to the orthopaedic community. You can keep yourself updated by following accomplished surgeons, engaging thoughtfully in their content, and updating your own profile to reflect your orthopaedic interests and achievements. When reaching out, personalize your message to show genuine interest. Instead, send tailored messages, reference a recent publication, presentation, or shared interest to make the outreach personal and professional.
6Seek Mentors Who Champion You
A strong mentor does more than give advice – they advocate & sponosra. Whether through letters of recommendation, research, rotations or conferences, aim to build relationships with faculty who see your potential and are willing to support you.
When interacting with potential mentors, start by expressing genuine interest in their work and its relevance to your goals. Offer to assist with ongoing projects, with such as data collection, IRB preparation, or manuscript writing to establish and maintain a relationship.
7Navigate Cultural and Professional Expectations
Understanding U.S. medical culture is crucial for building strong connections in orthopaedic surgery. Always be courteous, punctual, and clear in communication. Use a professional tone and personalize your messages—avoid mass emails, obviously AI written emails, or informal language. Demonstrate familiarity with the U.S. residency process to show you’re serious and well-prepared. Balance confidence with humility—be proud of your work, but eager to learn. Surgeons respect applicants who are teachable and team oriented. Your reputation matters in the tight-knit orthopaedic community. Be dependable, respectful, and professional—someone others are proud to recommend. Adaptability, cultural awareness, and consistent professionalism will set you apart.
8Stay Strategic and Resilient
Networking takes time. Not every email will be answered, and not every meeting will lead to opportunity, but each effort builds your path. Track your outreach and follow-ups with a simple spreadsheet. Set monthly achievable goals, like contacting two faculty members or submitting one abstract. Rejection or silence isn’t failure; it’s part of the process. Persistence is key.
Final Thoughts
For IMGs, networking in U.S. orthopaedic surgery requires not only clinical excellence, but also planning, determination, and integrity. Every rotation, research experience, conference, or online exchange is an opportunity to make a genuine connection that may help pave the way toward a successful residency match. Be flexible, adaptable, dependable, hardworking, continue to network, and trust that your perseverance will carry you forward.
DISCLOSURES: Dr. Karakas this individual reported nothing to disclose. Dr. Ghanem this individual reported nothing to disclose. Dr. Marrache osgenic: Type: Other Professional Activities.
Read the AAOS Code of Conduct for Discussion Group Terms, Conditions and Disclaimers HERE.
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