TOP 5 ACADEMIC ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

Top Academic programs]

As a disclaimer, this is purely subjective. I guess it's somewhat based on interviews, but I for sure didn't interview at all these places.

Top Academic: HSS, Harvard, Mayo, UW, NYU-HJD, Iowa, WashU, Pitt, Rush, Jefferson

Top Training: Brown, Emory, Carolinas, Utah, Campbell Clinic, Rochester, Vanderbilt, UCSF, Wisconsin, UPenn

I realize this is all opinion, but I don't think you can include Miami, UTSW, and Maryland in the "well-balanced/training" programs while leaving out programs like Vandy and Utah, just doesn't make sense.

I agree with the above posts.

Yes there are some community academic programs (Carolinas, Union Memorial, SFORP) and vice versa.

the true questions are were will you get the best operative skill and were will you get the best research opportunities. (THIS IS 100% TRUE) The next four paragraphs are a direct quote that I agree with.

for research, go where there is a lot of research published. that's simple.

for operative skill, traditionally most academic programs are where many difficult cases get send and many community programs do bread and butter cases. those are just generalizations.

for a young resident, ortho years 1,2,& some of 3, u don't need the difficult, complex, crazy cases (difficult revision TJA, arthroscopic cuffs, PSO's, replants). these cases are wasted on you because you don't have the basic frame work to understand these cases and to be able to build upon previous experience. these case are better for upper level residents and fellows. for the younger residents, you need the lots of the bread and butter cases (fractures, primary arthroplasty, scopes, carpal tunnels) so that you can build on you understanding of surgical technique and anatomy. understanding this need, going to a program that will give you early exposure complex cases does not really benefit your education.


the best programs give you a taste of everything at the appropriate time. there are NO programs without flaws. there are good and bad surgeon in both types of programs. there are brilliant surgeons at both types of programs. i recommend you go where you feel you will get the best training that suites you style of learning

Now my perspective.

1. Interview everywhere you can
2. Decide what you want from residency (early OR, lots of hands on, research, academics)
3. TALK TO FORMER RESIDENTS (this is soooo key. ask them about their time....If you want more OR or research rank a program higher..)
4. Remember that you can get great training anywhere...It just depends on when you get it. If you go to HSS, Harvard, etc you may be learning general ortho trauma experiences later,.....but every program has it benefits.
5. Rank some lower programs so you will match...

If you want specific opinions on programs PM me. BUT REMEMBER it will just be my opinion.

In no specific order i feel that the top five academic orthopaedics programs are]

This is a great thread. The point about ranking on the basis of research, clinical volume, reputation and faculty superstars is well-taken. I wonder, personally, about one data point in the US News rankings (http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals ... edics/data) - specifically, column 5 or Medicare volume from 2006-2008. How does this number reflect the actual clinical activity of an institution? HSS operates on over 21,000 patients a year; their Medicare volume statistic is proportionally high. Other programs (Penn, for example) are tragically low on this statistic; if they continue to be clinically busy, what compensates for the Medicare volume?

I think that Iowa is a program that, 15 years ago, should be considered in the top 5. If you look at the faculty listing on their website (http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/med/o ... index.html), you'll note that the bottom lists presidencies and faculty positions in prominent ortho societies. These tables seem to hurt the program more than help them from the perspective of a 21st century resident.

Seattle needs to clarify some issues with its hand folks.
Pitt has a huge volume and realistically falls just under these other programs.
UCSF has the most malignant reputation among rotators and needs to address that at a faculty/resident-level.
The Penn residents on this forum in the past have vigorously defended the flight of their faculty, whereas the one on this thread seems to legitimately provide some insight into the state of the union. They may be a program to watch if they start to recruit.

The top 5 on the basis of all the aforementioned factors, in my opinion, are:
HSS, Mayo, NYU-HJD, Jefferson, Harvard

Also keep in mind, friends in the community, that the international individuals of repute and money come to the powerhouse academic centers not because of the research but because they want a safe, skilled operation with quality post-operative care (and a big name and VIP perks).

I'm not sure why jefferson is considered top 5 academic.I generally see the academic programs as 'gentlemans' programs.. My understanding of jefferson was that it is a good program, with rising clinical faculty, and a ton of volume where the residents work very, very hard.

I can't believe that a place like the campbell clinic, or cleveland clinic is not on that list over jefferson, in that respect.. but, it's all opinion, I digress
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UCSF has the most malignant reputation among rotators and needs to address that at a faculty/resident-level.




I am a UC grad, and can't believe this statement. UCSF is very laid back, with a "Bay Area" mentality - the only attendings you don't call by their first names are Drs. Bozic and Vail. Everyone is approachable. Lots of cases to learn how to operate with minimal pimping, plenty of research if you want it, the bare minimum if you have no interest.

I haven't read through the previous thread in its entirety, but felt compelled to dispel some on-going rumors about UCSF.

I rotated at UCSF, and though at the times I felt like it was a little tough, largely because I was just an insecure sub-I, I look back and realize it was purely tough love. It wasn't malignant in any sense of the word and they really focused on education and making sure the juniors were strong and prepared. They definitely all knew their stuff, from the 2's up to the 5's. I ended up matching at a program I ranked higher for other reasons, but looking back, I think UCSF would have been an outstanding place to train. Plus, SF is one of the best cities in the world...

So true.

In no specific order i feel that the top five academic orthopaedics programs are]

The top 5 on the basis of all the aforementioned factors, in my opinion, are], Harvard

I want to withdraw my inclusion of Jefferson in this list; I simply don't know enough about the program to make that conclusion considering I've never been there.

I agree with the other respondent that Cleveland, Rush, UW, Pitt and a host of other programs with more reputation are likely at the first-tier threshold along with Jefferson.

I do have a question: which programs have the newest facilities? For example, some programs are still based in the hospital that was used in 1960 with little to no renovation. This has a significant impact on the overall - what I like to call - "facility of living" of the program.

Anyone know which programs have drastically upgraded/renovated or moved to another hospital within the past 10 years?

Rush has a new hospital that is set to open Jan 2012

what is a top 5 program mean anyway? alot of the places mentioned have been said to be very non op for the resident due to lots of fellows and big name staff that dont let you do much. At least speaking to prior graduates from some places that i will leave unnamed due to respect. I think one should choose a program based on fit and operative experience. Watching someone do surgery or just putting the plate on or a couple screws isnt surgery. I think that you really need to do the whole case and be comfortable putting in an IMN, TSA, TKA etc etc. Just some advice to people out there picking programs. Dont get caught up on the names, and go to a place where you learn how to operate. some big name places do let you operate like Pitt etc. also find out how many people are scrubeed, double and triple scrubbing is not too fun if its an everyday thing. good luck to everyone this year, ortho is awesome!