I think UCI is a great program. Like SwoleDogg pointed out, the residents are an awesome group of guys who like to hang out with each other outside of the hospital. They get great fellowships and start operating EARLY. From what I have seen, it is very common as an R2 to be doing the case alone, with the attending just watching or assisting.
The program is definitely going through a lot of changes right now, but I really think they are for the best. The new chairman is one of the big changes. He may come off a bit arrogant to some, but this guy is an incredible student advocate and he gets things done. He is determined to make UCI one of the best, if not the best, program in California in the next 5 years. He is young (I heard he is the youngest ortho chairman ever) and is incredibly driven. I have heard that he will be bringing a few BIG name attendings to UCI in the next year or two.
One of the big things that I didn't like about the program, was the lack of a service based system (as orthoguy11 pointed out). They are getting rid of their old system and are planning on being service-based sometime this year. Another change is that they will have a new program director next year. The new program director is very dedicated to the program and he is a really nice guy. Lastly, just wanted to point out that UCI has some great research going on. Just last year Dr. Gupta won the Kappa Delta award for his research and Dr. Lee won the Neer award. Obviously, I think this is a good program. I think those who match at UCI this year, will be very happy they got in at such a good time. Good luck guys!
