Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
Approachable attendings makes this feel more like a family than a hierarchical residency. Dr. Dirschl (Chairman) is very supportive of the program. Some very well known attendings. Everyone is invested in resident education.
Didactics / Teaching
Protected time on Wednesdays for resident didactics. Residents have lectures, cadaver labs and OITE review. Residents really seem to like this as it brings the entire group together. Otherwise, plenty of teaching done individually in the operating room.
Operating Experience
Plenty of cases to go around. Probably one of the most well-rounded programs in the country, especially with the addition of the extremely busy Level 1 Trauma Center in the most violent part of Chicago, and the country. Heavy duty joints, hand, trauma, shoulder/elbow and tumor exposure.
Clinic Experience
Most residents spend 1.5-2 days/week in clinic with their respective services. Interesting and diverse patient population in South Side Chicago makes for plenty of learning.
Research Opportunities
The University is a research powerhouse, and the Ortho program is able to take advantage of all the opportunities. Plenty of basic and clinical science research chances for the residents. Dr. Reider, Editor-in-Chief of AOSSM, and Dr. Wolf, Deputy Editor of the Journal of Hand Surgery, are on faculty.
Residents
Fun, tight-knit group. Very supportive of each other. Far from malignant.
Lifestyle
Chicago is a beautiful and fun city, and the residents are able to enjoy it. Residents make their own call schedules, and also have a special holiday block in order to spend more time with families.
Location / Housing
Chicago has so much to offer for housing and lifestyle. Many residents live in South Loop, Hyde Park, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park and West Loop. Top-notch food, sports, and outdoor activities dominate the social scene.
Limitations
- Only one female in the program as of 2018
- Chicago can be cold in the winter
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
This is an extremely well-rounded program, with great residents and attentive attendings. I would be lucky to go here. Tier 1.
