THE RUTH JACKSON ORTHOPAEDIC SOCIETY (RJOS) was founded in 1983 as a support and networking group for the growing number of women orthopaedic surgeons. The women at the first meeting felt that there were many common problems confronting them, which could best be solved by pooling resources. These range from sharing technical solutions for practice problems to how to survive motherhood and orthopaedic practice/residency at the same time. The RJOS began with 42 women and has grown to a membership of more than 600. The majority is from North America, with international female orthopaedists included. The membership is comprised of practicing orthopaedic surgeons, residents, fellows, and medical students. With these varied perspectives, RJOS offers a woman's viewpoint on the rewards and shortcomings of a career in orthopaedics. For the medical student, resident and fellow there is a mentoring program to offer guidance as well as practical suggestions for choosing and completing an orthopaedic residency. Those members considering a first job, a fellowship or a career change can be linked through the Mentoring Committee with someone experienced in those areas.
