Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program

Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program Overview

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic is an ACGME-accredited, five-year training program that provides extensive exposure to various subspecialties within orthopaedic surgery. The program is sponsored by Cleveland Clinic, a renowned tertiary health system, which allows residents to work alongside fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons at the forefront of orthopaedic care. Since its inception in 1970, the program has emphasized patient-centered care in the osteopathic tradition, treating each patient as a comprehensive whole, integrating compassion and empathy into its practice.

Graduating residents from the program have consistently secured competitive fellowship positions, reflecting the high standards and comprehensive training offered by this program. The program is designed for residents who are genuinely interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery, showcasing dedication and hard work in their educational journey.

Curriculum Structure

The residency curriculum is divided across five years, structured to incrementally build knowledge and skills through various rotations and experiences. Below is an outline of the program's curriculum:

PGY-1

The first year, residents will complete a series of rotations to build foundational clinical skills, including:

• Emergency Medicine: 1 month at South Pointe Hospital
• General Surgery: 1 month at South Pointe Hospital
• Trauma Surgery: 1 month at Hillcrest Hospital
• Vascular Surgery: 1 month at South Pointe Hospital
• Internal Medicine: 1 month at South Pointe Hospital
• Musculoskeletal Radiology: 1 month at the Main Campus
• Orthopaedic Surgery: 6 months total, including 2 months of Adult Reconstruction at the Main Campus

Residents will also attend courses including the Annual Pediatric Orthopaedic Resident Review.

PGY-2

In the second year, the focus shifts towards more hands-on experience in orthopaedic services:

• Orthopaedic Service at South Pointe Hospital: 6 months
• Pediatrics at Main Campus: 2 months
• Spine Surgery at Hillcrest Hospital: 2 months
• Orthopaedic Surgery at Hillcrest Hospital: 2 months

Residents will be tasked with organizing weekly fracture conferences and begin engaging with medical students as part of their learning experience.

PGY-3

As residents progress to the third year, they will take on increased responsibilities, including:

• Foot & Ankle Surgery: 2 months at the Main Campus
• Orthopaedic Surgery at Hillcrest Hospital: 2 months
• Pediatrics at Akron Children's Hospital: 2 months
• South Pointe Orthopaedic Service: 6 months

PGY-3 residents will also pursue elective courses or conferences aligned with their interests.

PGY-4 and PGY-5

The final years focus heavily on specialization, with opportunities to work on advanced subspecialty rotations and elective opportunities tailored to the residents' specific interests. Resident responsibilities increase, and the fifth year includes chief resident duties overseeing clinical duties, teaching, and scheduling.

Training Sites and Rotations

The Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital serves as the base institution for the residency, but residents will rotate through multiple facility locations within the Cleveland Clinic enterprise, including:

• Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
• Hillcrest Hospital (Level II trauma center)
• Akron Children’s Hospital
• Various community hospitals and surgery centers

These rotations allow residents to obtain a broad clinical experience, covering adult and pediatric orthopaedic care comprehensively.

Research Opportunities

Cleveland Clinic provides ample opportunities for residents to engage in research activities. The Orthopaedic Research Center is dedicated to fostering research initiatives that can contribute to advancements in the field. Residents can actively participate in both clinical and basic science research projects, enhancing their academic experience.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Several distinctive features enhance the Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Cleveland Clinic, including:

• A comprehensive didactic program involving morning reports, lectures, journal clubs, skills labs, and anatomy labs with cadaveric specimens.
• Access to a state-of-the-art Orthopaedic Surgery Skills Laboratory for hands-on training and evaluation of surgical techniques.
• A collaborative atmosphere exemplified by a close-knit group of residents and attending physicians, which ensures personalized mentorship and support.

Additionally, the program continues to emphasize osteopathic principles and practices throughout its structure and didactic components.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The application process for the Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Cleveland Clinic seeks individuals who demonstrate commitment, hard work, and a genuine interest in orthopaedic surgery. While there is no minimum board score requirement, the program typically considers academic achievements, clinical experiences, recommendations, and personal qualities that reflect the values of the residency. The program is competitive, welcoming applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants.

Visa Support

The Orthopaedic Surgery residency program at Cleveland Clinic offers visa sponsorship for individuals requiring such support, facilitating both J-1 and H-1B visa applications. This ensures that international medical graduates can pursue their training in this esteemed program.

Resident Benefits

Residents at Cleveland Clinic are entitled to various benefits, including a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, vacation days, and a stipend for educational expenses. Each resident can allocate an annual education fund for textbooks, resources, and meeting attendance, promoting continuous learning and professional growth.