Quality and fairness: Achieving the paradigm - A personal perspective

African Americans and those traditionally underrepresented and discriminate d against by society face particular roadblocks in achieving success. In th e case of training for orthopaedic surgery selection, this paper presents f undamental concepts addressing misconceptions regarding the pool of underre presented applicants for positions in orthopaedic surgery residency and the notion and definition of the terms qualified and best qualified regarding the residency applicant pool. The paper underscores the fact, that despite advances in the century, racism continues to be pervasive in America, and e fforts at leveling the playing field should be used.