Extract
Advances in molecular and cellular biology and in genetics are progressing at an astonishing rate and already are influencing the clinical practice of orthopaedic surgery. The focus of basic-science education for residents and the continuing education of most orthopaedic surgeons has been and currently is in the fields of materials sciences and biomechanics because these disciplines are basic to our surgical practice. Education in genetics and in molecular and cellular biology is a must for orthopaedic residents and is rapidly becoming essential to the practice of senior surgeons. Since the founding of orthopaedic surgery, our education in these areas of basic science has been minimal, and including this erudite area of study, with its whole new language, into our curricula and developing interest in it among senior surgeons will not be easy. The following experience convinced me that this lack of interest is an issue of concern.