Dr. Ruth Jackson, the first board-certified female orthopedist, began her training in Iowa City in 1928 under the tutelage of Dr. Arthur Steindler. Dr. Jackson’s perseverance served as an inspiration for many aspiring female orthopedists that succeeded her. The Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society, founded in her honor, serves a membership of over 600 practicing female orthopedists as a forum for mentorship and overcoming the challenges of gender disparity.
The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation has remained stalwart in its commitment to Dr. Steindler's founding tenants. The faculty and residency have featured a strong female presence for several decades, training women who have gone on to positions of local and national leadership. We believe that increasing diversity within orthopedics encourages integration of new viewpoints, begets innovative ideas, and ultimately provides the highest level of care for our patients. Read more about University of Iowa women in orthopedics.
Our department offers the Ruth Jackson-Steindler Orthopedics Clerkship award, which supports housing and travel to rotating medical students who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and an interest in advancing diversity within the specialty of orthopedics.
Our residents participate in outreach opportunities such as the Perry Initiative and Girls Go STEM.
Our female residents have an excellent academic track record, both in terms of publications and grant funding. Recently funded resident grants include:
- Biomechanical Comparison of Syndesmotic Reconstructions with and without Deltoid Ligament Repair, OREF 2019
- The Perry Initiative Medical Student Outreach Program – submitted to the University of Iowa Diversity Catalyst Seed Grant 2019
- Travel Grant from the MidAmerica Orthopedic Association to present at the 2020 meeting
- Travel-related grant from the Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society for travel and presentation costs for the 2020 AAOS meeting
Policies and Guidelines
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Guidelines on Leave
The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS) has established the following minimum educational requirements for certification (which pertain to any form of leave): 46 weeks of full time graduate medical education per year; averaged over five years.