Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University Program

Program Overview

The Detroit Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is designed to prepare residents for successful careers in orthopaedic medicine. The program emphasizes the importance of providing high-value care, contributing to both clinical practice and academia within the field of musculoskeletal care. The faculty, under the guidance of the Residency Program Director, actively supports residents in identifying patient needs while also enhancing their technical skills.

Curriculum

The educational curriculum at the program includes structured didactic learning and practical experiences. Weekly lectures, including Grand Rounds and journal clubs, foster academic growth and clinical knowledge. Residents participate in a robust series of conferences and courses throughout their training.

Weekly and Monthly Activities

• Weekly didactic Grand Round lectures every Tuesday.
• Eight-week summer anatomy sessions.
• Attendance at monthly Orthopaedic Journal Club meetings.
• Participation in the Orthopaedic Surgery Visiting Lecturer Series every second Tuesday.

Rotational Structure

The residency program features a diverse range of rotations designed to provide residents with comprehensive experiences across various subspecialties in orthopaedics. These rotations are divided across five years of training as follows:

PGY 1 Rotations

• Orthopaedic Pediatrics – 1 month
• Adult Reconstruction – 1 month
• Trauma – 3 months at Detroit Receiving Hospital
• Sports Medicine – 1 month
• General Surgery – 1 month
• Anesthesia – 1 month
• Radiology – 1 month
• Vascular Surgery – 1 month
• Plastic Surgery – 1 month
• PM&R – 1 month

PGY 2-5 Rotations

Higher year residents will take on increasing responsibilities, rotating through areas including trauma, sports medicine, adult reconstruction, and specialized electives. For example, PGY-4 residents spend three months in Trauma and three months in Orthopaedic Pediatrics, reflecting the program's commitment to producing well-rounded orthopaedic professionals.

Research Opportunities

The program promotes research as a critical component of orthopaedic training. The Research Division focuses on a wide array of topics including biomechanics, neurophysiology, and artificial intelligence applications in medicine. Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects under the guidance of faculty members, allowing them to contribute to advancements in orthopaedic care.

Special Programs for Medical Students

Medical students interested in orthopaedics can participate in an away rotation that mimics the workload and educational experience of first-year residents. The program allows students to rotate through multiple subspecialties, gaining valuable insights during their time. However, not every participant is guaranteed an interview with the residency following this experience.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The residency program is designed to be competitive, attracting strong candidates including both U.S. allopathic and international medical graduates. Specific application requirements may include graduation within a defined time, limits on failed STEP exams, or additional prerequisites related to prior training.

Visa Support

The program is accommodating to international medical graduates by providing visa sponsorship for the most common types, including J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating the participation of diverse candidates from around the globe.

Training Sites

Residents rotate at several key training sites in the Detroit metropolitan area, including Detroit Receiving Hospital, Huron Valley Hospital, and the VA Medical Center. Each site provides unique resources and experiences tailored to specific subspecialties, enhancing the learning environment.

Overall, the Detroit Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is committed to developing competent, skilled orthopaedic surgeons capable of leading in clinical, academic, and research settings.