OrthoWorx Commends ORCA Graduates

OrthoWorx congratulates the first graduating class of The Orthopaedic Regulatory and Clinical Affairs (ORCA) Program at Grace College. “From speaking with the students, instructors and Grace College staff, we recognize the intense commitment this program requires of the students. Their completion of this program is such a noteworthy achievement and greatly commended,” states Tammy Allen, Manager, Communications & Projects, OrthoWorx.

This graduate program is for professionals desiring a thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations mandated by the federal government, especially the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as they apply to the orthopedic industry. Grace College partnered with OrthoWorx to launch this program one year ago, and it has since enjoyed strong industry support. Of the 30 students enrolled, 22 are directly connected to local orthopedic companies. These include Biomet, DePuy, Medtronic, OrthoPediatrics, Paragon Medical, Symmetry Medical and Zimmer.

David Fawley, a Clinical Intern at DePuy Orthopaedics and ORCA graduate said, “This program provided a challenge and on-target subject material that really stretched me and helped me to grow as I began working in orthopedics shortly after beginning classes. I found that what I was learning in the classroom translated very appropriately into real-world application.”

In addition to David, two other non-industry ORCA students have been accepted to long-term internships at local companies, with one of those resulting in a permanent position in clinical affairs. Three other students have taken on new responsibilities at their current companies because of the knowledge they’ve gained through the ORCA program.

Program information and application materials can be accessed at www.grace.edu/orca.