Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Akron General Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic Akron General is a five-year, ACGME-accredited postgraduate training program designed to cultivate proficient and ethical orthopaedic surgeons. The program encompasses a comprehensive curriculum that not only emphasizes clinical excellence but also incorporates education and research as integral components of residency training. The residency accepts three first-year positions through the National Residency Matching Program.

Training Facilities and Clinical Rotations

As a Level I Trauma Center, Cleveland Clinic Akron General serves as a regional tertiary referral center and provides residents with a diverse patient population across a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions and trauma. The residents gain exposure to various clinical settings:

• Akron Children's Hospital: This includes a pediatric orthopaedic rotation spanning seven months, allowing residents to engage extensively in the management of pediatric trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.
• Didactic Lectures: Daily didactic lectures from 7 to 8 a.m. focus on various orthopaedic subspecialties, basic science, oncology, journal clubs, and review conferences based on evidence.
• Surgical Skills Training: Training in surgical skills utilizes fresh frozen cadaver specimens and includes hands-on experiences that reinforce anatomical knowledge and surgical techniques.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum emphasizes both longitudinal and rotation-based educational experiences over a 60-month period. The first year (PGY-1) features rotations in general surgery and non-surgical orthopaedics, while the subsequent years (PGY-2 through PGY-5) delve deeper into various orthopaedic subspecialties, research, and leadership roles.

• Adult Patient Care: Residents accumulate a total of 51 months dedicated to adult orthopaedic care.
• Pediatric Care: Seven months are committed to pediatric orthopaedic exposure.
• Research Experience: Residents engage in research, with dedicated time and resources allocated for research projects to enhance clinical practices and surgical outcomes.

This program fosters the development of residents into competitive applicants for both general orthopaedic practice and subspecialty fellowship training after graduation.

Research Initiatives

Research is a vital component of the residency, encouraging residents to engage in scholarly activities from the outset. Each resident is required to complete a quality improvement project and partake in research projects presented at national meetings. Support is provided, including time, funding, and access to a dedicated senior research scientist specializing in biomechanical studies.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinctive feature of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is the commitment to fostering a supportive and diverse environment. The program actively recruits a diverse cohort of residents and faculty, ensuring that the healthcare workforce reflects the population served. Emphasis is placed on resident well-being and a safe working environment.

All residents participate in annual national or regional conferences during their training, enhancing their learning and networking opportunities. The program prioritizes education while providing an environment where residents can flourish personally and professionally.

Visa and Application Requirements

The program accepts J-1 visas for international medical graduates, ensuring visa support for those who meet the selection criteria. Applicants should have valid ECFMG certification if applicable, and they are preferred to have graduated within the last two years.

In terms of competitiveness, the program is generally viewed as highly competitive and welcomes applications from DO and IMG candidates. Specific application requirements include passing scores on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, as well as three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a CV.