6 year programs

Of course, but I think this is a silly question. The more spots you apply for, the more chances you have of matching. Obviously if you are considering a program that is a 6yr track only you don't have a choice other than to not apply. My guess is that you are more referring to programs that offer 5 and 6yr options. Again it should follow that the more spots you apply for, the greater your chance should be.
Now... every program director on the trail has contradicted this next thought, but I don't see how the applications for both tracks are independent. Every program states that your application to the research path in no way affects your rank on the non-research path. But, if you are a candidate with a strong research background, wouldn't they want to have you in the research path... and wouldn't they rather that you matched in that track? Keep in mind I have no evidence for this, it just seems logical.
The bottom line... apply to the six year spots if you would be happy doing a year of research, it statistically will increase your chance of matching if you have demonstrated an interest in research in the past. I am in a six year program and am thoroughly enjoying my research year. However, if the concept of taking another year to get through residency makes you want to break your own femur, I wouldn't apply regardless of whether your chances are increased or not.

Then why is it a silly question? Seems from the amount of good feedback you gave that it's not "silly" at all.

OK... I didn't mean to seem cynical... my bad.

There are a lot of places that offer both 5 year and 6 year spots (like Penn, Pitt, UVa, etc). For most of these you have to apply (and pay for) separate applications to the 5 year spot and 6 year spot. Like someone else said, they will tell you that your application to one doesn't affect your application to the other, but I don't buy that. They WILL know if you do not apply to the 6 year track, and you may be asked about this on your interview. I was asked at one place why I didn't apply to the 6 year program "if I really wanted to be a resident in the program." If you are like I was and really don't want to do a 6 year program, but don't want to hurt your chances for the 5 year track (or would rather do a 6th year than not match) I would advise you to apply to the 6 year spots but rank those last.

In many cases, I think it is a mistake to do a 6 yr ortho residency. My feeling is that many programs set up this extra year of research to bolster their own research program...it's a way for attendings to publish more with less work, and to foster more of an "academic" environment. Of course the focus is also on education, but I think in most cases this is a secondary goal. So the 6 year idea is great for the program and the faculty, but does not serve the resident who does this extra year well.

If you're interested in academics, your best bet is to do a 2 year fellowship in your area of interest, with one of those years devoted to full-time research. Keep in mind that an extra year of research is primarily geared for CAREER ADVANCEMENT. Many 6 year residencies have this extra year at the end of PGY2 year or some even do this extra year right after internship. This is a waste of time because at that level, you really don't know what area you will pursue, nor do you have the experience and are not yet "seasoned" enough as an orthopaedic surgeon to fully take advantage of this year of research. Of course you learn plenty that year and it may be a great experience, but if your goal is to be an academician, you get more bang for your buck if you wait until you decide what field you want to pursue, and then do a year of research either before or after your fellowship in that particular area at a high-powered academic institution like Mayo and the like. This is your best option and the best way to get your foot in the door in the academic world. You will be more efficient and will publish more at that level in your training as well. This also allows you to build a strong network in your particular area of interest with influential players who are leaders in their specialty. It makes little sense to do hand research for example, if you end up going into joints or spine.

Again, the purpose of the extra year of research is career advancement. If you're not interested in academics, you're wasting your time with a 6 year program.

These are just my thoughts. I personally would discourage anyone from doing a 6 year residency. I think it's a system set up to benefit the program and faculty, not the resident. Your best option is to do this year of research as a fellow.

Micky made some great points about doing research. I'm involved in a different format to consider if you are really interested in pursuing research and helping yourself and your future career. I am working as a research associate in a 7-year pathway at the University of Mississippi in Jackson. It is a position in which one person per year starts off by doing 2 years of dedicated research. Wake Forest and UMass offer similar positions, I believe. During this time, at least in our program, you are enrolled as a graduate student working toward either a Master's or PhD. The spot is filled outside of the match each year and requires mailing your information in separately as an application.

So, you don't necessarily have to do a research fellowship after your residency, and with our program, you are able to complete your degree while you are doing a standard 5-year residency.

For more information about the program and application insructions, check out

If you have any questions, please feel free to post or PM me

Which residencies have a 6th year research track?

Pitt
UPenn
UCDavis
UVA
Boston University


Any other? Please add to the list.

WISCite

UCSD
Darthmouth

that I'm aware of

Check out Union Memorial in Baltimore. It's a 6 year program, but the extra year (4th yr.) is 6 months of research, 3 of elective and 3 of hand. It's a nice mix.

Ohio State
West Virginia
Case Western
St. Louis
North Carolina

7 year at Wake Forest

Brown is 6 year track for all residency spots however the final year is a trauma fellowship (1/2 ward 1/2 research).


Painkilla