More than 50 students from Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and Furman University recently gathered in Greenville, South Carolina, for the third annual Arthrex Representative Orthopedic Procedure Experience Simulator (ROPES) course, an immersive educational program designed to introduce aspiring medical device professionals to the operating room environment.
The course provides students interested in careers in orthopedic medical technology and sales with hands-on experience assisting in simulated surgical procedures using Arthrex technology. Through anatomy instruction, procedural training and interaction with Arthrex representatives and clinical experts, participants gain a deeper understanding of the role medical device representatives play in supporting surgeons and improving patient outcomes.
"This is a unique opportunity for students in the Sales Innovation Program," said George Rego, PA-C, Arthrex Senior Manager of Clinical Media and program faculty member. "It brings a unique slice of the medical device sales profession to life, in real time, in ways that a traditional classroom can't offer. It's energizing to watch students work directly with our local representatives, who offer their time to engage the students in the operating room environment while explaining how they work with surgeons during surgical procedures."
The course is offered in partnership with Clemson University's Sales Innovation Program and other regional universities. Rego and Jamie Bradshaw, Arthrex Clinical Advisory Director, led the program alongside surgeon faculty Nathan Moroski, MD, of Seneca, South Carolina, and Alyssa Althoff, MD, of Greenville, South Carolina.
Students rotated through three simulation stations focused on shoulder, knee, and foot and ankle procedures. At each station, Arthrex representatives provided instruction on surgical techniques, instrumentation and operating room workflows, helping participants understand the clinical knowledge and technical expertise required to support orthopedic surgeons.
"It's such a unique experience for the students to see what goes on in a real surgery," Jamie said. "Many come in thinking it is straightforward, but they quickly realize how detailed every step of a procedure is. They learn the 'why' behind the decisions being made and gain a much greater appreciation for the preparation and precision required in the operating room."
In addition to the hands-on training, students participated in a question-and-answer session with Arthrex representatives and completed pre-course learning modules through OrthoPedia, an online orthopedic education platform.
For many participants, the experience reinforced their interest in pursuing a career in orthopedic medical technology.
"This opportunity strengthened my passion for orthopedic medical device innovation and deepened my appreciation for the impact Arthrex has on both patients and providers," said Kelly Campbell, a biomedical engineering student at Clemson University. "I'm excited to continue working with Arthrex this summer as an intern at Arthrex St. Louis."
Recent Clemson University graduate Olivia Forchic said the opportunity to perform a simulated rotator cuff repair on a 3D-printed model helped connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
"I have been jumping on every opportunity that Arthrex provides to gain as much experience as possible," Forchic said. "Every event has fueled my desire to break into this industry with Arthrex. I've never wanted to succeed in something more."
Through programs like ROPES, Arthrex is investing in the next generation of orthopedic professionals by providing meaningful educational experiences that support its mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better®.
