Henry Ford St. John Hospital Program

The Henry Ford St. John Hospital Hand Surgery Fellowship Program, in collaboration with Michigan Surgery Specialists, is designed to cultivate clinically competent and compassionate hand surgeons capable of addressing a wide array of hand disorders within a community setting. This mission echoes the broader goals of the Henry Ford Health System, emphasizing holistic care that particularly attends to underserved populations.

Recently accredited by the ACGME in April 2021, the fellowship offers a comprehensive and robust clinical training experience. Each year, the program accepts two board-eligible residents from the fields of General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, or Orthopedic Surgery. With access to Michigan’s top hand surgeons and participation in a leading hand surgery practice, fellows benefit from a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Program Structure and Rotations

The fellowship is a year-long program that incorporates various clinical rotations, encompassing both adult and pediatric cases. Fellows are exposed to multiple patient populations across various demographics and conditions. Notably, fellows will rotate through key facilities: the Children's Hospital of Michigan for pediatric hand cases, and the Corewell Health Royal Oak for microsurgical techniques, enriched by state-of-the-art training facilities.

Clinic and Surgical Training

Fellows will gain practical experience at various Michigan Surgery Specialists locations, responsible for treating approximately 35,000 patients annually and performing over 5,000 procedures. These hands-on experiences include conducting both emergency and elective surgeries, participating in trauma care at Level One trauma centers, and engaging in diverse surgical procedures from minimally invasive to complex reconstructive surgeries.

Curriculum Details

The curriculum is meticulously designed to ensure a thorough educational experience. It includes:

• Weekly didactic sessions covering core curriculum topics
• Monthly journal club meetings and mortality/morbidity case reviews
• Active engagement in research and quality improvement initiatives, facilitated by faculty mentors

Fellows also participate in a month-long rotation involving advanced microsurgical techniques, learning skills crucial for complex soft tissue reconstructions. The fellowship promotes an active research agenda, allowing fellows protected time to develop and conduct significant research projects.

Community Exposure and Diversity

The Metro-Detroit area serves as a rich backdrop for training, featuring diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and clinical challenges. This exposure prepares fellows to meet the varied needs of patients in a real-world context, enhancing their understanding of community health.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The fellowship is capable of sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating both international medical graduates (IMGs) and U.S. graduates. The program prides itself on being friendly to DO graduates and IMGs, making it an accessible opportunity for talented medical professionals seeking specialized training in hand surgery.

Application Requirements

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must submit the following documentation:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Three examination score documents (Step scores)
• Three letters of recommendation

Candidates should be mindful of specific eligibility criteria, which may include stipulations concerning graduation year and maximum allowed failures on STEP examinations.

Work-Life Balance and Benefits

While rigorously training, fellows are also offered a competitive benefits package aimed at promoting work-life balance. Benefits include healthcare coverage, industry-based compensation, and paid time off, supporting the well-being of fellows as they navigate the demands of training.

Conclusion

The Henry Ford St. John Hospital Hand Surgery Fellowship Program stands out for its extensive clinical exposure, robust educational support, and commitment to community-focused care, preparing the next generation of hand surgeons for successful careers in both academic and clinical settings.