Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
Dr. Zuckerman is great, he is a ball buster but when you get his sense of humor you'll find him really funny. That being said he demands that things be done correctly or he'll let you hear about it. Other attendings are hit and miss. Definitely a who's who of orthopedics, but some of them were not that impressive to me in terms of operating skills and/or teaching while some are the most amazing people you will meet.
Didactics / Teaching
Lots of didactics, which to me is not a plus because I don't get much out of them. Residents must prepare for lectures because they will all be asked questions. Weekly team conference as well which the residents prepared for on a separate day. I felt it was excessive and they were being overly anxious about it. You do get asked questions but I found them to be pretty laid back unless its obvious you didn't prepare. If you like a large amount of studying/presenting/lectures this would be a good program.
Operating Experience
Above average, but not incredible. Real operative experience begins as a three. One of the residents gave a spreadsheet of his CPT codes in the different areas and he had about 1900, so you can estimate 1100-1200 cases. Actual experience in the OR ranges from just watching to doing the case with minimal interference depending on the attending. Skills in the OR varied with the residents, some being great and some so so.
Clinic Experience
Clinic is clinic. The two's run a iCare center which is like a low level emergency room at HJD so lots of experience there dealing with acute non-operative injuries.
Research Opportunities
Can't be beat, required to do 3 papers (case report, review, and complete research project). Residents have published up to 40 papers. If research is your thing you will find it here, if it is not be prepared to deal with it in heavy doses.
Residents
Varied group. Some were awesome guys I'd love to hang out with, some were socially awkward, anxious (typical med student), and everything in between. Its a large class of 12 so this is to be expected and they don't recruit to a certain personality as small community places will. Not especially close knit, but with 60 residents you wouldn't expect it to be.
Lifestyle
New York City, in Manhattan. If this is where you want to be you can't beat it. Typical residency, prepare to work hard. 5am to 10pm days are not unusual (although also not the norm)
Location / Housing
Subsidized housing available with priority to new residents just moving to the area. It's very nice and a great deal for the money and location. Other than that, Manhattan apt hunting rules apply meaning very expensive and very little space for the money.
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
Overall you can't talk bad about this program, it is extremely well balanced. The names are some of the biggest in orthopedics, good lectures, above average operating time, top notch research with the big names, and located in Manhattan. This is a large program with equal emphasis on operative experience, research, and academics. It comes down to whether it fits you though.
