Atlantic Health System Program

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at Morristown Medical Center, known as the Christie Family Orthopedic Residency Program, aims to cultivate physicians who are not only clinically proficient but also adaptable to various practice environments. This program emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and professional growth, enhancing knowledge and skills throughout the residency.

The residency is structured over five years, encompassing comprehensive training across all nine orthopedic subspecialties. All clinical rotations occur within Morristown Medical Center and its affiliated orthopedic offices, eliminating the need for distant away rotations due to the high volume of surgical cases managed weekly.

Program Structure

The orthopedic residency curriculum is divided into the following yearly rotation structure:

PGY 1 Rotations

• 6 months of orthopedic training
• Surgical ICU (6 weeks)
• General Surgery (6 weeks)
• Trauma Surgery (6 weeks)
• Emergency Medicine (3 weeks each for adults and pediatric)
• Radiology (4 weeks)
• Orthopedic “Boot Camp” (2 weeks)
• Orthopedic Trauma (6 weeks)
• Pediatric Orthopedics (4-6 weeks)
• Foot and Ankle (4-6 weeks)
• Orthopedic Oncology (6 weeks)

Subsequent Year Rotations

• PGY 2: Orthopedic Trauma, Adult Reconstruction, Sports, Oncology, Hand Surgery, and Spine
• PGY 3: Advanced Adult Reconstruction, Pediatric Orthopedics, and Research
• PGY 4: Focused Trauma, Hand Surgery, and Specialty Areas
• PGY 5: Elective Studies, Intensive Research, and Advanced Specialization

Research Opportunities

The program significantly encourages research involvement, providing residents opportunities to explore various topics related to orthopedic surgery, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and advance clinical practices. Residents may engage in clinical research throughout the program, contributing to population health in orthopedic contexts.

Unique Aspects

The program prides itself on its conducive educational environment, beneficial mentorship from a diverse faculty, and an array of clinical experiences within a robust healthcare network. Moreover, due to the program's reputation and accomplishments, it is considered highly competitive among applicants.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates (IMGs). It provides support for J-1 and H-1B visas, enabling qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to contribute to and learn from the residency's enriching experience.

Application Requirements

Potential applicants should note specific requirements when applying to the orthopedic surgery residency. Candidates must have graduated from medical school within a specific timeframe and need to be mindful of restrictions, such as a maximum number of failed USMLE Step exams. Evaluating applicants focuses on academic performance, clinical experience, and personal attributes conducive to residency training.

Competitiveness

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program is recognized for its strong emphasis on academic excellence, making it highly competitive. It welcomes applications from U.S. graduates, international medical graduates (IMGs), and DO candidates, contributing to a diverse resident cohort.

In summary, the Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at Morristown Medical Center focuses on developing well-rounded orthopedic surgeons equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in healthcare. With a dedicated faculty, comprehensive training, and ample research opportunities, the program prepares residents for the challenges and rewards of orthopedic surgery.