Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Program

The Franciscan Health Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is an ACGME-accredited training program located in Olympia Fields, Illinois, within the Chicagoland area. The program is committed to producing highly skilled and competent orthopedic surgeons who are prepared to excel in both clinical and surgical practices. The mission of the program emphasizes comprehensive educational experiences, extensive research opportunities, and exemplary patient care in general and subspecialized orthopedic settings.1

Program Structure

The residency program has a total of 20 approved positions, allocating four new residents each year. The program extends over five years, commencing with an intern year that encompasses six months focused on orthopedics and an additional six months in various other specialties. Subsequent years consist of rotating through multiple affiliations, allowing for diverse and in-depth learning experiences.11

Rotation Details

The rotation structure is as follows:

• PGY-1: 6 months Orthopedics, 2 months General Surgery, 1 month Internal Medicine, 1 month ER, 1 month ICU, and 1 month Rehabilitation.
• PGY-2: Rotating at Advocate Illinois Masonic, Cook County Hospital, Franciscan Health, and Weiss Memorial Hospital.
• PGY-3: Rotations at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and other affiliated sites.
• PGY-4 and PGY-5: Continued rotations across various high-level trauma centers and specialized clinics to solidify skills in trauma, sports medicine, reconstructions, and pediatric orthopedics.

Clinical Affiliations

The program utilizes several prestigious clinical sites, including:

• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center: A 400-bed level-1 trauma center specializing in multiple orthopedic services.
• Advocate Christ Medical Center: A high-volume, 750-bed level-1 trauma center in Chicago, allowing residents to gain exposure to a vast array of orthopedic cases.
• Lurie Children’s Hospital: One of Illinois’ few pediatric level-1 trauma centers offering comprehensive pediatric orthopedic training.
• Cook County Hospital: Provides residents with experience in a varied array of trauma cases and complex injuries in a dynamic urban setting.

Educational Experience

The residency emphasizes rigorous educational sessions, including weekly didactics, fracture conferences, and lectures tailored to cover current orthopedic practices and innovative techniques.11

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in clinical or basic science research. The program highlights the importance of evidence-based practice and supports residents in presenting findings at national conferences.13

Application Requirements

To apply for the residency program, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Must currently be enrolled or a graduate of an LCME or COCA-accredited medical school.
• Submit an ERAS application along with a minimum of three letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, a personal statement, and COMLEX/USMLE scores.

The program is particularly structured to welcome diverse applicants, including those from DO backgrounds and international medical graduates (IMGs). Priority is given to candidates with strong academic credentials, a commitment to orthopedics, and demonstrable experience through clinical rotations.12

Visa Sponsorship

The residency program primarily sponsors J-1 visas. However, specific programs may accommodate residents who currently possess a visa. The Orthopedic Surgery team requests that additional documentation be submitted for audition approval.10

Competitiveness

The Franciscan Health Orthopedic Surgery Residency is rated as highly competitive due to its solid reputation, diverse training sites, and significant resident involvement in clinical affairs. The program actively seeks qualified applicants who can contribute meaningfully to the residency experience and the larger orthopedic community.12

Living in Chicago

Although the base hospital is situated in the suburbs, many residents choose to reside in downtown Chicago, enabling them to engage in the city’s vibrant culture and lifestyle. This affords residents both professional training and personal enrichment through city exploration.e

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Salary and Benefits

Residents receive competitive salaries starting from $56,700 in the first year, with incremental increases each subsequent year:

• PGY-1: $56,700
• PGY-2: $58,500
• PGY-3: $57,500
• PGY-4: $60,500
• PGY-5: $67,450

Additional benefits include 20 days of paid time off (PTO), insurance, meal provisions while on call, and a yearly education stipend to further pursue academic endeavors.14