On March 21 and 22, 2025, Montefiore Einstein Orthopedics hosted two transformative events in collaboration with the Perry Initiative: the Perry Outreach Program (POP) for high school students and the Medical Student Outreach Program (MSOP) for medical students to empower the next generation of orthopedic surgeons.

Led by Dr. Alexa Karkenny with support from Dr. Lauren Crocco, Dr. Catherine Mackey, Dr. Leila Alvandi, and a team of dedicated volunteers, both programs combined hands-on learning with expert mentorship, offering participants an immersive introduction to the world of orthopedic surgery and engineering.

Our Perry Outreach Program event welcomed a group of over 40 high school students for a one-day experience designed to spark their interest in STEM and medicine. Through a series of interactive workshops, students performed mock orthopedic surgeries and engaged directly with some of our orthopedic surgeons. By providing real-world exposure to these fields, the program aimed to inspire students to envision themselves as future leaders in healthcare and innovation.

Our Medical Student Outreach Program event offered Einstein medical students a deeper dive into orthopedic techniques, including fracture fixation and the use of power tools. Under the guidance of our experienced orthopedic surgeons, participants gained hands-on practice while receiving invaluable mentorship from experts in the field. These sessions not only exposed participants to technical aspects of orthopedics but also fostered connections between aspiring and established professionals, ensuring that the next generation of surgeons is well-equipped for the demands of the field.

"Mentorship is such a crucial part of medical education and professional development," said Dr. Alexa Karkenny. "Through these programs, we have the opportunity to not only teach technical skills but more importantly, inspire confidence and provide guidance to the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. It's incredibly rewarding to see the excitement students have about orthopedics after attending this program and the connections they make that will help them envision and achieve a future in our field."

Montefiore Einstein Orthopedics is proud to support initiatives that expand access to mentorship, education, and career development in orthopedic surgery. By partnering with the Perry Initiative, Montefiore Einstein is helping to shape the future of healthcare.

For more information about the Perry Initiative and upcoming opportunities, visit https://perryinitiative.org.