Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency program at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is designed to cultivate excellent clinicians through a focus on patient advocacy, intellectual growth, and a robust clinical and research environment. The close-knit atmosphere among faculty and residents emphasizes a supportive, collegial experience that is both rigorous and nurturing.

Educational Mission

The program's mission is to train orthopaedic surgeons to provide safe and effective patient-first care. Residents are expected to engage with their healthcare community and develop leadership skills essential for high-performing clinical teams. Throughout the residency, they will practice and refine their surgical skills while contributing to meaningful advances in the field through active learning and research 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency includes comprehensive training across various orthopaedic subspecialties and rotations spanning five years. The current model incorporates both fundamental surgical skills and complex procedures, providing residents with hands-on opportunities in a Level-1 trauma center. Significant emphasis is placed on technical proficiency, case management, and patient-centered care 1.

Daily Didactics

Residents participate in numerous daily didactic sessions that enhance their learning experience. Educational offerings include trauma reviews, anatomy dissections, indications conferences, and morbidity and mortality discussions. A formal ROCK curriculum provides a systematic review of orthopaedics tailored for residents throughout the year 8.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency program. Each resident is required to complete at least one research project for peer-reviewed publication by the end of their training. The program offers a dedicated research month during the PGY-4 year to facilitate this work, alongside various supportive resources including mentorship from esteemed faculty 14.

Athletic Coverage and Moonlighting

The program provides residents with unique opportunities for paid moonlighting through medical support for athletic programs at Dartmouth College and local high schools. This includes coverage for the NCAA Division 1 Dartmouth Big Green football team and other sports, thereby enriching residents' practical experiences in sports medicine 4.

Comprehensive Benefits

The residency offers a competitive benefits package, including stipends, insurance, and professional development support. Additionally, the program upholds family-friendly policies, including maternity leave and caregiver leave for residents with family responsibilities 12.

Diversity and Inclusion

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within its residency program. Special initiatives, such as partnerships with Nth Dimensions, are focused on supporting women and minorities in orthopaedic surgery. The program’s commitment to cultivating a diverse workforce is prevalent in its recruitment and training activities 11.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency program is highly competitive, welcoming both MD and DO applicants, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants must submit a complete ERAS application, which includes at least three letters of recommendation, USMLE scores, and a personal statement. The program has specific criteria for application consideration but does not impose strict limitations regarding the year of graduation or number of failed exams 7.

Visa Sponsorship

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center supports visa sponsorship for foreign medical graduates. Specifically, the program can sponsor J-1 visas, which allows international applicants to undertake residency in the United States. This capability further enhances the program's diversity and commitment to global healthcare perspectives 10.

Historical Perspective

The history of the orthopaedic residency at DHMC is rich and reflects a continuous evolution towards excellence in training and patient care. Founded in 1957, the program has grown considerably, embedding itself within a major academic medical center. The department's collaborative relationship with Dartmouth College strengthens its educational scope and research initiatives 13.