College of Human Medicine student group hosts statewide orthopedics networking event

February 19, 2025

Earlier this month, the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine chapter of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS) held the inaugural Statewide Social to celebrate the field of orthopedic surgery at Hawk Hollow in Bath, Mich.

More than 100 students from the state’s seven medical schools and physicians attended the night of networking, thoughtful conversations and advocacy.

The Statewide Social was a collaboration with Seann Willson, MD, a Flint-based orthopedic surgeon and mentor to many medical students and women in the field.

Nidhi Patel was inspired by Willson’s long-standing tradition of hosting dinners for medical students interested in orthopedics.

“We wanted to empower and uplift women on a larger scale,” said Patel, second-year medical student and president of the MSU chapter of RJOS.

Dr. Willson delivered the keynote address, which highlighted the 30% threshold—the level at which underrepresented groups begin to have a significant voice in medicine—and emphasized the ongoing need for diversity in orthopedics.

“While discussing the unique challenges women face in surgery – from systemic barriers to adapting to tools and environments historically designed for men – Dr.Willson highlighted the critical roles of mentors, sponsors, and advocates in career growth,” said Patel.

Willson debunked common misconceptions that discourage women from pursuing orthopedics—such as the belief that the specialty isn’t compatible with family life or that physical strength is a limiting factor.

“While challenges exist, they can and should be overcome.” And as more women enter the field, the landscape of orthopedics continues to evolve, said second-year student Eden Oswald.

For Victoria Aquilino, first-year College of Human Medicine student, the event represented the collective power of women in orthopedics.

“Although we make up a smaller proportion of the field, seeing so many of us together in one room gave perspective to the strength we have as a unit,” said Aquilino.

Event volunteers Eden Oswald and Zoee Harris agreed. “What began as a creative outlet and avenue to support our classmates quickly became an opportunity to connect with inspiring women in an uplifting environment,” said Oswald.

“The importance of having this kind of space is essential and powerful,” said Harris.

After networking and the keynote, attendees participated in the "Ortho Olympics," including suture relays, X-ray fracture matching and an operation challenge.

The Statewide Social was RJOS’ first major event since the MSU chapter formed nine months ago. The organization’s student leaders said they hope to make it an annual event.

“It was so rewarding to get closer with fellow classmates and develop new friendships,” said Taylor Wesley, co-chair for the social. “Having everything come together as planned for the event was so special after so much hard work was put in.”

"I’ve learned so much about the field of orthopedics through this organization,” said Rosemary Gedert, second-year medical student. “Surrounded by such passion and drive, I felt truly empowered. We still have a long way to go to achieve gender equity in orthopedics—let’s get to work." 

If you’d like to support this student organization, check out the RJOS apparel sale to support women pursuing orthopedics. 

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors