Corewell Health (Farmington Hills and Dearborn) Program

The Orthopaedic Surgical Residency Program at Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital is a comprehensive five-year training program that prepares residents for the allopathic board certification examination in orthopaedics. The core curriculum encompasses multiple aspects of general orthopaedics including, but not limited to, musculoskeletal trauma, total joint replacement arthroplasty, hand surgery, arthroscopic surgery, sports medicine, spine surgery, foot and ankle surgery, and pediatric orthopaedics. This residency emphasizes the development of proficiency in both operative and non-operative orthopaedics, aiming to equip residents with the skills necessary to practice independently at the end of their training.

Residents engage in various clinical services, emergency room service, and office orthopaedics, providing a well-rounded exposure to different facets of orthopaedic practice. The program includes on-site skills lab training, casting and taping clinics, and compliance with work hour regulations, with no outside rotations permitted during the final six months of residency training. The program maintains a strong commitment to producing competent orthopaedic surgeons equipped to handle the complexities of patient care in urban and suburban settings.

Training Institutions and Facilities

Corewell Health operates two main facilities: Dearborn Hospital, a 632-bed teaching hospital that has received Primary Stroke Center Accreditation, and Farmington Hills Hospital, a 330-bed facility boasting Level II Trauma status. Both hospitals serve as major osteopathic teaching sites. Corewell Health Farmington Hills is affiliated with Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, while Dearborn Hospital collaborates with Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Over the years, the program has garnered accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) since 1962 and transitioned to ACGME accreditation in 2017. The program admits four residents annually through the NRMP, indicating its selective and competitive nature.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured around resident responsibilities that include participation in the COGMET program at Michigan State University, attending a daily orthopaedic educational series that includes journal clubs, lectures, and board preparation. First-year residents are required to partake in an anatomy course at Michigan State University every January, establishing a strong foundational knowledge base.

The residency program cooperates with various prestigious orthopaedic institutions for specialized training. Residents are expected to maintain a log of their surgical assists and engage in various educational meetings throughout their training. Furthermore, participation in call schedules is also part of the residency obligations.

Research Opportunities

Corewell Health actively encourages residents to engage in research. Financial support is provided for residents who wish to present their findings at regional and national meetings. Each resident is required to pursue and publish research papers on topics related to musculoskeletal injuries or diseases, fostering a robust academic environment.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants must submit an application via ERAS and must be graduates of an LCME or AOA accredited medical school. USMLE (Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step CS) scores are required to advance to the interview stage, and a passing score on the COMLEX is also necessary. The selection process considers applicants’ performance closely, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are chosen for additional training.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is committed to diversity and grants visa sponsorships, welcoming both U.S. and international applicants. It is recognized for being DO/IMG friendly, thus emphasizing an inclusive environment. The competitive nature of the residency underscores a pursuit of excellence and dedication to maintaining high standards in orthopaedic education.