From Sawbones to Drill Machines: Revolutionising Orthopaedic Training for Medical Undergraduates

Orthopaedic education for medical undergraduates has traditionally placed more emphasis on theoretical understanding than the acquisition of useful surgical skills. The increasing need for early clinical proficiency underscores the urgent need for innovative teaching methods. This paper explores how orthopedic bootcamps and workshops employing simulation techniques—such as sawbones models and internal fixation devices—can revolutionize undergraduate education across global institutions. By offering realistic, low-risk environments for hands-on practice, these workshops bridge the gap between didactic teaching and clinical application. The first sections examine deficiencies in traditional orthopedic education and review the emergence of simulation-based learning tools. Following this, the design of an ideal orthopedic bootcamp is outlined, emphasizing scalability, resource considerations, and assessment methods. A global implementation strategy is proposed, taking into account regional variations, partnerships, and sustainability challenges. Furthermore, educational outcomes are measured using frameworks like Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Evaluation and the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). This paper aims to portray a case example from Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, demonstrating real-world applications of the concepts discussed. By implementing these innovative strategies, medical schools around the world can raise the bar for undergraduate surgical education by better preparing aspiring physicians with critical orthopedic competencies prior to clinical exposure.