Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
The staff really appreciate the residents and take the initiative to teach and instruct on techniques. Our current program director, Dr. Khoury, is a true resident advocate and has been very responsive to change requested by residents. Dr. Theiss is the current chairman and he is a great leader who is pushing forth for expansion and recruitment for UAB Orthopedics.
Didactics / Teaching
The didactics and teaching largely take place on the go using each case or patient in clinic as teaching examples. There is also a formal dedicated didactic time on Thursday afternoons 2 PM - 5 PM with lunch provided.
Operating Experience
Operating experience is second to none. We have high volume and plenty of experience in the operating room. We feel comfortable with complex cases. Fellows that come to UAB are often impressed by the skills of our chiefs. Our UAB residents have previously won the AO basic surgical skills competition.
Clinic Experience
Similar to the OR, clinic is high volume and educational. Most attendings take time to teach about the diagnosis and treatment plans. One can expect to go to the clinic 2x week on most rotations. Our clinics are probably in line with most major academic institutions.
Research Opportunities
The opportunity for research is definitely there. Although most attendings do not publish routinely, there are a few that publish consistently. They are easy to work with and you will have no trouble obtaining funding or completing as many projects as you see fit. Our residents publish anywhere from 1 to 10 papers during residency. If you want the research and papers spoon fed to you, however, you may have an easier time at the more "academic" institutions.
Residents
Amazing group to work with! Come rotate here to see what we are about.
Lifestyle
Busy busy. This is not a country club or white collar program. You work hard but you get a lot out of it.
Location / Housing
Birmingham is a great city for those who love the outdoors and don't like traffic. It has most attractions that one would seek in a mid sized city. Cost of living is moderate to low with lots of affordable housing.
Limitations
Probably could get better at producing research to push forth the UAB name across the country.
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
Great program! No regrets about coming here for my ortho training. I considered many different programs, including much more academic, "name brand" programs. However, I definitely would not have gotten the training and technical skills at the other programs just due to the culture and number of fellows.
