Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
This is certainly a program strength. We are an academic program with strong community affiliation. About 75% of time with academic faculty at academic centers (adult and pediatric), and 25% of time with community faculty at the VA and elective rotations. This relationship is a real plus as the community guys are also almost all fellowship trained. We currently have at least two academic faculty in each subspecialty. One foot and ankle faculty will be leaving soon, but there is more than enough experience with the remaining surgeon and community staff. Faculty allow for appropriate autonomy and have all been very approachable. We are supported whole-heartedly by our PD and Chairman. They are very open and responsive to suggestions about improving the program. Resident initiated change is often implemented.
Didactics / Teaching
Currently we have a weekly 3 hour Wed morning conference, which serves as our primary teaching conference/Grand Rounds time, and are generally well-attended. We also have a Friday morning fracture conference and case conference which lasts about 1.5 hours, each of which are attended by a faculty. We have a monthly Chairmen's conference which focuses on non-traditional topics such as leadership, contracts, ethics, etc. In addition to these conferences, each subspecialty generally has a weekly conference for the residents/students on that service. Journal Club is also monthly. We have typically just used an hour of our weekly conference time, but occasionally we will go out and do this as a group over dinner.
Operating Experience
I think that is difficult to imagine a better overall operative experience. We are given outstanding opportunity to operate. This is generally based on graduated autonomy. If you demonstrate that you are competent and capable, you can expect to be the primary surgeon on cases in your second year with staff or seniors assisting. This continues to progress appropriately throughout your residency. Our fourth and fifth year residents take back-up/senior call, and essentially come in to operate. Often they will have their own room on services. That being said, if you need a faculty to come in, they do so in a heartbeat. You won't be left over your head.
Clinic Experience
Generally a well-balanced experience. Almost all are speciality clinics. The exception is at the VA, which is more general orthopaedics. Usually about 2 days per week in clinic. This is where you really get to learn one of the most important aspects of operating--when and when not to do it. Critical thinking and decision-making are reinforced. Our ancillary staff are very friendly and helpful.
Research Opportunities
Pretty standard. We are required to submit one publishable quality research article and one case report for graduation. Almost all faculty are actively involved in research, and there are extensive opportunities. Anyone interested in doing a project can easily get it supported.
Residents
Probably one of our strongest assets. We are a pretty tight group. People who end up here are pretty genuine, and we tend to have each others backs. We all hang out and quite often have gatherings with all of our classes. Probably about 60% married right now, and our families tend to spend time together even when we're not around. Relative diverse for ortho, with three women in our program now.
Lifestyle
Generally our lifestyle is very good. We take home call. This is usually pretty nice, but can get busy. The most challenging year is the PGY2, when you are taking the most primary call at our trauma center. Worst case scenerio is that you are in house all night. The expectation is that if you have been in the hospital all night, you should alert the faculty with whom you are working, and leave by noon the following day. When this has happened, the faculty involved have been exceeding supportive and encouraged leaving, sometimes even earlier. If any resident is staying longer, they are doing so against our policies. This has been stressed repeatedly by our PD. Our busiest services are trauma and peds, but in general our work weeks average about 60-65 hours overall, even during your second year. After that it only gets better. As PGY4 and PGY5, you are taking back-up call, coming in only to operate. Many of us have children and we get a decent amount of time to spend with our families. Those of us who have known this program best, wanted to be here. We are happy here for a reason.
Location / Housing
All the amenities of a big city, with easy accessibility. You can get anywhere in about 15-20 min. Most of us own our own houses or condos. Very affordable. This is a very safe community and easy place to raise a family. If you are single, there is plenty to do around the city.
Limitations
Limited dedicated research time, but you can choose to do one of your PGY4 or PGY5 electives as a research elective.
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
Extremely well-balanced program. Whether you want to go into general orthopaedics or subspecialty training, you will feel extremely confident in your surgical skills and decision-making capabilities when you leave this program. May not be as big a name, but training is second to none.
