Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is one of the leading programs in the United States, ranked fifth nationally and recognized for its commitment to training highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons. The program is characterized by a comprehensive approach that encompasses clinical experience, didactic education, and research development, all delivered in a high-volume and diverse clinical environment. The faculty consists of esteemed educators and specialists across various orthopaedic subspecialties, ensuring residents receive quality mentorship and instruction throughout their training

Curriculum Overview

The five-year residency program is fully accredited and designed to develop well-rounded orthopaedic surgeons. Over the course of the program, residents rotate through a variety of clinical settings, primarily within Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, with additional rotations at specialized institutions such as the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The curriculum is robust, integrating hands-on surgical experience with structured educational activities, including weekly conferences and seminars that cover contemporary developments in orthopaedic surgery

Clinical Rotations

The clinical training comprises numerous rotational blocks as outlined:

• PGY-1: Six months of General Surgery and six months of Orthopaedic Surgery
• PGY-2: Five blocks in Orthopaedic Trauma and specialized rotations in Spine, Adult Reconstruction, and Foot and Ankle
• PGY-3: Concentrated blocks in Sports Medicine, Adult Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma, and Pediatric Orthopaedics
• PGY-4: Rotations in Pediatrics, Foot and Ankle, Orthopaedic Oncology, Spine Surgery, and Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
• PGY-5: Senior responsibilities in Orthopaedic Trauma, Adult Reconstruction, Sports Medicine, Elective studies, and Research

This structured approach not only allows residents the opportunity to engage in a wide array of surgical procedures but also prepares them for the responsibilities of independent practice as chief residents

Didactic Education Program

The Didactic Education component is meticulously crafted to enrich the residents' learning experience. Key features include:

• Regular Grand Rounds featuring leading experts in orthopaedics
• Monthly Morbidity and Mortality conferences to enhance clinical judgment
• Workshops in surgical skills, including cadaver dissections and simulator labs
• Continuous preparation for the Orthopaedic Surgery In-Training Examination (OITE)

Residents are encouraged to actively participate in research endeavors, presenting their findings at significant conferences, which is supported by the institution. This fosters not just clinical expertise but a strong foundation in research methodologies

Application Information

Prospective residents must submit applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and meet specific application criteria. This includes the submission of USMLE scores, a personal statement, a Dean’s letter, and a minimum of three letters of recommendation. It is mandatory to have a passing score in the USMLE Step 2 examinations prior to the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) match deadline. The program offers five residency positions annually, with the expectation that applicants demonstrate a strong foundation in orthopaedic knowledge and skills

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Cedars-Sinai is known for being competitive, attracting applicants from diverse medical education backgrounds, including both U.S. and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program values a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within its resident cohort, promoting a collaborative learning environment

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. Common visa types supported include the H-1B visa and J-1 visa for those who qualify. This support ensures that qualified international candidates can pursue their residency training without the barriers typically associated with visa issues