Broward Health Program

Overview of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Broward Health Medical Center is dedicated to promoting excellence in education, research, and surgical skills across all areas of orthopaedic surgery. This comprehensive five-year training program is designed to equip residents with the knowledge, clinical competencies, and surgical skills necessary to develop into competent orthopaedic surgeons.

The primary aim of the program is to nurture residents into caring, experienced, and technically proficient physicians. Training occurs under the mentorship of skilled professionals through a meticulously structured educational program that emphasizes hands-on experience, patient examinations, and increasingly independent management of both non-operative and operative cases.

Curriculum and Rotations

Training Structure

The residency program consists of rotations in various areas throughout the five-year training span. The structure is designed to provide a balanced exposure to different fields within orthopaedic surgery, enhancing both surgical and diagnostic skills.

PGY-1 Rotations

During the first year, residents participate in the following rotations:

• General Orthopaedic Rotation: Residents spend six months in a rigorous training environment focusing on the care of surgical patients, diagnostic evaluations, and gaining familiarity with diagnostic imaging related to orthopaedic conditions.
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• Emergency Medicine Rotation: This rotation allows residents to work in a Level 1 Trauma Center's Emergency Department, providing exposure to high-acuity cases and hands-on care in acute situations.
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• Trauma Surgery Rotation: In collaboration with the Trauma Surgery team, residents engage in evaluating pre-operative and post-operative trauma cases.
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• Plastic Surgery Rotation: A one-month rotation offers experience in the techniques relevant to plastic surgery.
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• Anesthesia Rotation: Residents gain insights into anesthetic agents and patient care during the anesthetic process.
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• Neurosurgery Rotation: Focus on the evaluation and management of surgical issues related to the brain and spine.
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Subsequent Years (PGY-2 to PGY-5)

For the remaining years, residents engage in more specialized rotations, each averaging three months in duration:

• Orthopaedic Trauma Rotation: Involves intensive care training for trauma cases, emphasizing manipulation and surgical techniques.
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• Pediatric Orthopaedics: Rotations at specialized facilities to broaden experience in pediatric musculoskeletal conditions.
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• Sports Medicine: Focuses on the care and surgical management of athletic injuries.
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• Foot & Ankle, Musculoskeletal Oncology, Adult Reconstruction, and Spine Rotations: Each of these rotations provides targeted training in specific areas of orthopaedic surgery, preparing residents for diverse professional practices.
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Research and Academic Opportunities

Throughout the residency, there are ample opportunities for both clinical and basic science research. Residents are encouraged to engage in research endeavors related to orthopaedic topics, which not only enriches their educational experience but also contributes to advancements in the field.

Visa Support and Type

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs), specifically sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visa classifications, allowing IMGs to train under the program's rigorous standards.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

A career in orthopaedic surgery remains highly competitive. The program seeks candidates who display academic excellence and are prepared for the challenges that residency presents. Applicants need to demonstrate their commitment through structured application requirements, including a focus on academic achievements and possibly a maximum of one failed USMLE examination attempt.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Broward Health's Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is distinctive due to its training at a busy Level 1 Trauma Center, which facilitates extensive hands-on experiences in critical care situations. This unique environment allows residents to develop a profound understanding of trauma care alongside other essential orthopaedic skills. Additionally, the diversity of the resident cohort enhances the learning experience, fostering a vibrant academic atmosphere.