Duke University Hospital Program

The Duke Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is a five-year, ACGME-accredited training program, offering eight residency positions annually. The program is dedicated to developing the clinical and surgical skills necessary for residents to confidently practice in academic or community settings.

Program Leadership

The program is guided by the leadership of a departmental chair along with a residency program director and a program coordinator, ensuring a structured approach to training with a focus on excellence and ethical practice in orthopaedic surgery 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is carefully structured to include core competencies, advanced training opportunities, and a mentorship model, ensuring that residents are exposed to a variety of surgical techniques and patient care scenarios. The core competencies include clinical decision-making, comprehensive patient care, and technical skills spanning from office-based procedures to complex surgeries 3.

Core Didactics and Conferences

Residents participate in over 350 orthopaedic conferences annually, allowing for case-based learning and interactive education. Weekly meetings include specialty conferences and grand rounds, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience tailored to diverse orthopaedic subspecialties 4.

Rotations

The residency includes an intricate rotation system where residents engage with diverse cases across multiple specialties. The first year includes essential non-orthopaedic rotations such as plastic surgery and vascular surgery, followed by intensive orthopaedic rotations from the second year through the fifth year, where residents get to experience all major subspecialties 8.

Individualized Elective Rotations

As residents progress to their senior years, they are afforded opportunities to develop elective rotations based on their interests, thus enriching their training experience. This flexibility allows residents to pursue specific surgical interests or enhance their research portfolios 8.

Research Opportunities

Research is emphasized throughout the residency, with mentoring provided to develop research ideas and complete projects. Over 650 papers have been presented and numerous manuscripts published in referred journals by Duke residents, highlighting the program's commitment to research excellence 4.

Application Process

Application materials must include a brief personal statement, CV, three letters of recommendation, and medical school transcripts. For foreign medical graduates, holding a valid ECFMG certificate and meeting additional residency requirements is necessary. Applications should adhere to specific deadlines, and all USMLE/COMLEX steps must be completed within a limited number of attempts 3.

Visa Sponsorship

The program actively participates in supporting visa sponsorship for international graduates, offering J-1 and H-1B visa options based on the completion of specific USMLE steps 4.

Competitiveness and Requirements

The Duke Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is considered highly competitive, with specific criteria for transition to residency. Graduates are expected to show significant accomplishments through interviews, letters of recommendation, and academic performance 5.

Unique Program Features

Key aspects of the residency include the opportunity to work with marginalized communities through outreach initiatives and have hands-on responsibilities as team physicians for collegiate athletic programs. This focus on community engagement enriches the educational experience and fosters a sense of service 7.

Evaluation and Progression

Resident evaluation is based on clinical performance, participation in conferences, and adherence to policy standards. The program maintains rigorous standards to ensure that each resident progresses appropriately through the levels of training 6.