Urbana-based Carle Illinois College of Medicine has partnered with a nationwide initiative to encourage more women in orthopedics.
Currently, less than 8% of practicing orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. are women, according to a Dec. 23 press release.
Carle has formed a local chapter of a nationwide group, the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, to offer professional opportunities to female medical students who are interested in specializing in orthopedic surgery.
The local chapter will integrate Illinois-based women into the organization's larger, national chapter.
Of the Carle medical school graduates who’ve entered residency in orthopedics, 25% are women, according to the release.
The Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society provides students with opportunities to submit their research to local and national orthopedic conferences, supports professional goals and education through webinars and workshops, and provides access to scholarships throughout the medical education journey.