Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship through its Department of Orthopaedics. This prestigious program is geared towards developing exceptional hand and upper extremity surgeons capable of managing a wide variety of complex pathologies. Each year, the fellowship program treats over 10,000 patients and performs more than 4,000 surgeries. This extensive clinical exposure is complemented by an emphasis on education and research, allowing fellows to hone their skills and contribute to the evolving field of hand surgery.

Program Overview

The fellowship is characterized by:

• High-volume training with complex pathologies
• Diverse clinical exposure across multiple settings including academic, private practice, and trauma centers
• Engagement in research activities, with over 50 peer-reviewed publications annually

This multifaceted training ensures fellows receive not only a robust surgical experience but also the necessary didactic preparation to thrive in their future careers.

Facilities

Fellows gain access to an array of facilities that significantly enhance their learning and clinical exposure:

• Emory Upper Extremity Center: A leading facility where fellows will perform the majority of their clinical work, including surgeries and patient care.
• Grady Trauma Center: As one of the busiest Level 1 trauma centers in the U.S., this location provides crucial experience managing acute traumatic injuries.
• Children’s Hospital of Atlanta: Here, fellows will work on complex congenital issues under the guidance of renowned pediatric specialists.
• Georgia Hand, Shoulder and Elbow Center: Exposure to private practice models and unique cases, enhancing clinical understanding.
• Atlanta Veterans Hospital: This location offers insights into military-related injuries and conditions.

Overall, the facilities connected to the fellowship program ensure a well-rounded training experience in hand and upper extremity surgery.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum includes structured rotations designed to cover a wide array of conditions and procedures:

• Two month-long rotations at the Emory Upper Extremity Center focusing on hand/wrist surgery, peripheral nerve, and microsurgery.
• Trauma and Brachial Plexus: Fellow participation in trauma surgery at the Grady Center, enhancing exposure to high-acuity cases.
• Congenital Hand and Brachial Plexus: Rotations at Children’s Hospital and the Shepherd Center, offering experience with pediatric conditions.
• International Rotation: An elective month allowing fellows to train with world experts in hand surgery across the globe.

This structured approach enables fellows to achieve clinical proficiency and in-depth knowledge of significant upper extremity conditions.

Research Opportunities

Research forms a vital component of the fellowship, fostering a culture of inquiry and scientific advancement:

• Fellows are given protected time each week to pursue research activities.
• Active participation in clinical trials enhances understanding of evolving surgical techniques and patient care methodologies.
• Engagement in multidisciplinary collaborations with various experts at Emory, enabling comprehensive research projects.

With a strong emphasis on research and dissemination of knowledge, fellows are encouraged to present their findings at national and international conferences.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, requiring applicants to have completed an accredited U.S. or Canadian residency in Orthopaedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, or General Surgery. Candidates must be board-eligible and possess the ability to obtain an unrestricted Georgia medical license. The application process includes submitting:

• Complete application through the ASSH
• Three to four letters of recommendation
• Proof of successful completion of all steps of the USMLE or COMLEX

This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most qualified candidates enter the fellowship.

Visa Support

The fellowship program supports visa applications for international medical graduates. The typical visa types sponsored include:

• J-1 Visa for exchange visitors
• H-1B Visa for specialty occupations

This support is crucial for attracting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to enrich the fellowship experience.

Compensation and Benefits

The fellowship offers a competitive PGY-6 level salary along with comprehensive benefits including:

• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plans
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Medical malpractice insurance
• Up to three weeks of paid time off

Fellows also have their international travel for a month covered, facilitating global learning experiences.

Culture and Work-Life Balance

Emory's location in Atlanta provides a vibrant environment for fellows, offering diverse cultural experiences, recreational opportunities, and social events. The supportive faculty emphasizes a manageable work-life balance, allowing fellows to enjoy both professional growth and personal fulfillment.