Baylor University Medical Center Program

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency program at Baylor University Medical Center is a distinguished five-year program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program offers a small faculty-to-resident ratio and engages in approximately 5,000 orthopedic surgical cases annually, supporting a comprehensive training experience for residents.

Baylor University Medical Center, based in Dallas, Texas, has a rich history in training orthopedic surgeons since 1921, including the accolade of training the first female orthopedic surgeon in the United States. The program uniquely positions its residents in a high-volume urban tertiary hospital with a Level I trauma designation, allowing them to gain extensive clinical exposure and quality one-on-one interaction with attendings.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum encompasses various essential rotations, enabling residents to develop a broad skill set. The rotations include:

• Emergency Medicine
• General Surgery
• Trauma
• Anesthesia
• Surgical Intensive Care
• Musculoskeletal Radiology
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Sports Medicine
• Adult Reconstruction
• Hand Medicine
• Foot and Ankle Medicine
• Spine Medicine

In addition to these rotations, residents participate in joint and tumor didactics held weekly and are involved in monthly research meetings with the research team. Weekly case conferences allow residents to present past cases to peers and attending physicians.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the residency program. The department actively engages in numerous clinical research projects related to orthopedic care. Residents are required to participate in, complete, and submit research for publication, enhancing their understanding of the field and contributing to ongoing developments in orthopedic surgery.

Application Requirements

Applications for the Orthopedic Surgery Residency are processed through the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) and the electronic resident application system (ERAS). Only applications submitted via ERAS will be considered, with a deadline set for October 15. The program accepts graduates of both US and Canadian medical schools, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs), who must meet specific eligibility criteria, including obtaining a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate prior to appointment.

Important aspects of the application process include:

• A full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a US licensing jurisdiction where training occurs.
• Possession of a Green Card or attainment of a J-1 visa. Note that H-1B visas are not sponsored for residency training.

Compensation and Benefits

The program offers competitive stipends and a robust benefits package to ensure residents' well-being. Noteworthy benefits include:

• No-cost health coverage options for residents and fellows.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Disability insurance and life insurance coverage.
• Paid time off and family leave policies.
• Support for continuing medical education (CME), including reimbursement for attendance at conferences.

Additionally, the program emphasizes a commitment to the well-being of its residents, offering various resources and support systems throughout the training period.

Living in Dallas

Dallas is celebrated for its vibrant community and economic opportunities, featuring the lowest cost of living among the ten largest U.S. cities. With a population of approximately 1.2 million, Dallas serves as a major cultural and economic hub within the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, providing residents with a diverse array of attractions, including sporting events, museums, parks, and a lively nightlife.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency program is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Emphasizing a welcoming environment, the program actively promotes a training atmosphere where all residents feel respected and valued, fostering innovation and cohesive team dynamics that better serve the community.