Speak with the judgement and clarity Orthopaedic Spine Surgery programs remember

Question practice

Questions drawn from the realities of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery

Practise explaining the clinical decisions, patient conversations and career experiences that matter in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery—then handle follow-ups that ask for evidence behind your first answer.

1. 01

   What do you believe are the most rewarding aspects of a career dedicated to treating spinal conditions?

2. 02

   How do you assess and manage postoperative incisional pain versus new radicular pain following a single-level lumbar discectomy?

3. 03

   How do you handle a situation where a patient insists on a specific surgical approach (e.g., minimally invasive) that you believe is not the safest or most effective option for their complex spinal condition?

4. 04

   A patient with chronic low back pain and no clear surgical indication is requesting an elective lumbar fusion due to persistent pain and frustration; how do you ethically counsel them?

5. 05

   Have you been involved in any quality improvement projects related to spine care during your residency, such as reducing surgical site infections after spinal fusion?

6. 06

   How do you envision this fellowship strengthening your ability to manage complex spinal trauma, and what level of operative autonomy are you hoping to achieve?