Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
Huge group of excellent faculty in every field. The Clinic has produced more AAOS presidents than any other program in the country (7). The next closest has 4. Biggest names in sports, peds, joints, trauma, and foot/ankle. All are approachable and non-malignant. Residents treated as colleagues by all staff. There is a certain pride and tradition here that comes with being a WCC resident.
Didactics / Teaching
Vastly improved during my time here. Conference has been totally re-vamped and OITEs are rising. The addition of Dr. Throckmorton as assistant PD has really improved the conference agenda and format. And yes, beer is still served after conference.
Operating Experience
Unmatched. You will not find a better operative experience anywhere in the country. Period.
Clinic Experience
Good mix of private clinics (WCC clinic) and indigent, resident-run clinics (the Med, Le Bonheur).
Research Opportunities
Now excellent. 6/10 finalists this year for the MAOA resident grants were Campbell residents. Dr. William Mihalko is an MD PhD who is now 100% dedicated to enhancing resident research opportunities. Dr. Throckmorton has also improved this aspect of the program greatly over the last few years.
Residents
Awesome groups of guys (and now one gal). Tight-knit. Large group, but once you're in, you're a brother. Definitely feels like a big fraternity. Residents come from all over the country.
Lifestyle
Work hard on trauma, but lifestyle is excellent everywhere else. On your private rotations, you live the schedule of your attending (preceptor model).
Location / Housing
Memphis is vastly under-rated. Affordable and very liveable. Midtown and downtown have been / are being revitalized. Warm winters.
Limitations
Some are not keen on the location, but this has changed.
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
Overall, I truly feel that you will not find a better program in the entire country. The combination of big-time operative experience and big-name recognition of this place is truly unique. I highly recommend applying and rotating through the program.
