Wartime orthopaedic residency: a resident's perspective

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the ensuing war on terror including major conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have lead to changes in many aspects of the world. This is true even in medical education, and the experiences of current residents and recent graduates have been affected in many ways, developing the field of orthopaedic surgery and its practitioners in areas of technical innovation, military experience, personal maturity and a sense of duty while providing opportunities for mentorship and interservice collaboration. The authors present their unique experiences as a prior Marine Corps Officer and General Medical Officer and the benefits of orthopaedic residency training in military training facilities during a time of conflict.