Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Program

The Foot and Ankle Fellowship at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, located in Royal Oak, is a comprehensive one-year, preceptor-based program aimed at producing highly skilled orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons. This fellowship is designed to provide a broad spectrum of educational opportunities tailored to the unique conditions presented in foot and ankle surgery. Under the guidance of four fellowship-trained faculty members, all possessing extensive experience and specialized knowledge in the field, fellows will manage a diverse set of clinical cases, thus enriching their educational experience.

This program offers exposure to both common and uncommon conditions within a high-volume private practice environment, making it unique in its approach to surgical training. The fellowship's surgical experience encompasses a wide range of procedures including but not limited to complex ankle arthroplasty, revision ankle arthroplasty, limb deformities, and limb salvage operations. A significant number of these procedures are conducted in an ambulatory surgical setting, thus maximizing the fellow's exposure to real-world surgical situations. The institution’s established orthopaedic research program further enhances the training experience, supporting fellows in clinical, translational, and basic science research as integral components of the curriculum 1.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously structured to incorporate every surgical procedure and clinical condition outlined by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) curriculum guide. Each fellow will rotate through various faculty members for three-month segments, participating in their respective clinics and surgical schedules, which ensures comprehensive exposure to the multidisciplinary facets of orthopedic foot and ankle care. Protected time for research activities is embedded within the block rotations, fostering a balance between clinical duties and scholarly work 3.

Conferences and Didactics

The program includes numerous educational activities such as weekly foot and ankle teaching conferences, journal clubs, and specialty conference sessions. These sessions often feature case discussions on complex foot and ankle scenarios, integrating preoperative evaluations, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and reviews of current literature 4. The fellows are also expected to present lectures and engage in thoughtful discussions within these settings, further enhancing their educational development.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with fellows expected to contribute to multiple research projects throughout the year. This includes protocol development, data collection, and literature reviews, aiming for outcomes that culminate in presentations at local, regional, and national conferences as well as submissions to peer-reviewed journals. The faculty’s research interests include innovative biomaterials, clinical outcomes analysis, and advanced surgical techniques in foot and ankle surgery 5.

Scope of Service

The fellowship encompasses a diverse array of surgical services, addressing athletic, traumatic, and degenerative foot and ankle conditions. Faculty-led treatments cover challenges such as lower limb osteotomies, complex limb reconstructions, joint preservation techniques, and advanced arthroplasty methods. This extensive exposure prepares fellows to diagnose and manage a variety of cases effectively in their future practice 6.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship must have completed an accredited orthopaedic surgery residency program and achieve board eligibility or certification prior to starting the fellowship. There is one fellowship position available for candidates, accentuating the competitive nature of the program. Applications are submitted via the San Francisco Match, with a deadline of December 1 for the following academic year. Interviews are conducted following the application deadline, typically between December and January 2.

Visa Support

The program is positioned to support international applicants requiring visa sponsorship, including the J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring that eligible international medical graduates can successfully complete their fellowship training.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is considered competitive, and it is favorable for candidates who have completed bona fide residency programs in orthopaedic surgery, including both DO and IMG candidates. The selection process is rigorous due to the high volume and quality of exposure provided during the fellowship.