Baylor College of Medicine Program

The residency training program of The Joseph Barnhart Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine provides an extensive and comprehensive exposure to various aspects of orthopedic surgery. This five-year program offers immersive training in areas including trauma, joint arthroplasty, hand, foot and ankle, spine, sports medicine, oncology, and pediatrics. The training is grounded in the core principles of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to effectively manage musculoskeletal diseases. Throughout the program, significant emphasis is placed on developing both diagnostic and surgical skills essential for a successful orthopedic career.1

Program Structure

The orthopedic surgery residency program is structured as a 60-month ACGME-approved training program with a total of six residents assigned per training level. Residents primarily train at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center located at the McNair Campus, along with multiple affiliated hospitals, enhancing their exposure to diverse clinical environments and patient populations.1

Highlights of the Program

The program is strategically located in the Texas Medical Center, recognized as the largest health science complex globally, and associated with various hospitals that consistently rank among the best in the country. The experience incorporates early clinical exposure alongside opportunities for surgical autonomy under faculty supervision, including access to a state-of-the-art Surgical Skills Laboratory and Simulation Center.1

Daily Life in Residency

Each residency year builds upon the previous one, escalating responsibilities and leadership opportunities. The intern year consists of six months dedicated to on-service orthopedic rotations and six months of off-service non-orthopedic rotations involving disciplines like emergency medicine, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery. The included orthopedic rotations, particularly at Ben Taub Hospital, offer exposure to high-volume trauma cases, while other settings, like Texas Children's Hospital, afford opportunities to manage pediatric orthopedic conditions.2

Training Sites

Residents gain experience across various esteemed training sites, including:

• Ben Taub Hospital: Renowned for its intensive trauma care, providing one of the busiest Level 1 trauma experiences.
• Texas Children’s Hospital: A leading facility for pediatric healthcare.
• Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center: A prominent VA hospital in the U.S., offering extensive orthopedic training.
• Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center: Primarily used for orthopedic operative procedures.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center: Specializes in oncology, providing groundwork in treatment for musculoskeletal tumors.

This diverse rotation structure allows residents to interface with a wide range of clinical pathologies, enhancing their surgical proficiency and clinical judgment.3

Curriculum and Didactics

The curricular framework emphasizes formal didactics which occur every Wednesday morning, as well as Grand Rounds every Friday. The program includes a rigorous set of lectures covering all orthopedic subspecialties, journal clubs, morbidity and mortality conferences, and subspecialty case reviews. Each rotation features designated conferences to enhance learning specific to that subspecialty.4

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage actively in research with protected time allocated for such pursuits. The program expects residents to complete at least one research project of publishable quality, with access to various research laboratories focused on biomechanics and tissue engineering.5

Diversity and Inclusion

The program is committed to fostering a diverse training environment, recognizing it as vital to achieving leadership in healthcare and providing high-quality patient-centered care. Residents are selected based on a broad set of experiences and backgrounds, enriching the learning environment.6

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Baylor College of Medicine Orthopedic Surgery Residency is considered highly competitive, emphasizing strong academic performance, relevant experiences, and personal attributes such as motivation and eagerness to learn. Applicants are required to submit their completion of USMLE examinations, alongside several letters of recommendation and personal statements, all must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The application materials must be completed by November 1st.7 For international medical graduates, the program supports J-1 visa applications and requires compliance with Texas Medical Board provisions.8

Resident Life and Well-Being

Residents are afforded stipends that align with national averages, paired with the relatively low cost of living in Houston. The program prioritizes wellness initiatives, ensuring that residents have access to programs that support physical and emotional health. Time off for vacations and leave of absences is conformed to guidelines distributed by the Graduate Medical Education office.9

Awards and Recognition

The program recognizes resident accomplishments through various awards, such as the Bronze Hammer Award, the Hugh S. Tullos Research Award, and other incentives aimed at promoting academic excellence and innovation within orthopedic surgery.10