Henry Ford Warren Hospital Program

Since 1972, the Henry Ford Warren Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program has been training and graduating outstanding orthopedic surgeons. Formerly known as Ascension Macomb-Oakland, the program offers a balanced mix of inpatient and outpatient surgical experience at Level 1 Adult & Pediatric trauma centers, Level II Adult trauma centers, large community hospitals, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics. The residency aims to provide a comprehensive orthopedic surgical experience through rotations across all core subspecialties, particularly notable for its exceptional rotations in Trauma and Adult Reconstruction. The program’s collaboration with Michigan State University and the College of Osteopathic Medicine enhances the educational and research opportunities available to residents, contributing to a culture of excellence in both surgical practice and academic inquiry 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum comprises both core rotations and elective options, meticulously structured across five years. The first year (PGY-1) consists of six months of Orthopaedic Surgery amongst other crucial disciplines including General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and Internal Medicine, rounding out early clinical exposure. As residents progress to PGY-2 through PGY-5, they rotate through specialized areas such as Trauma, Spine, Joints/General, Hand, and Pediatrics, each tailored to develop specific competencies and expose residents to a variety of cases 4.

The research component is integral, with every resident expected to participate in scholarly activity, culminating in publication and presentations that contribute to orthopedic literature and advance the field 5.

Program Education

The educational structure includes protected program education delivered via video conference across three primary sites: Ascension St. John Hospital and Ascension St. John Providence Southfield and Park. Residents are engaged in a rigorous schedule of lectures, anatomy labs, journal clubs, and case discussions that ensure thorough preparation and continuous learning 3.

Didactic sessions happen weekly on Thursday mornings, featuring diverse conferences focusing on trauma, general orthopedics, and subspecialties with key discussions led by fellowship-trained attendings. Monthly conferences hosted by Michigan State University expose residents to topics presented by experts nationwide, significantly enhancing the educational fabric of the residency 3.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes evidence-based practices and actively participates in research to support quality improvement and new knowledge dissemination in orthopedic care. All residents are encouraged to engage in research projects that align with their interests. The faculty frequently collaborate with leading orthopedic device companies, facilitating educational opportunities that contribute to practical understanding and professional advancement 9.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Henry Ford Warren Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is known for being highly competitive in its selection process. It only considers applications from U.S. medical school graduates. Notably, the program does not require minimum COMLEX or USMLE scores as a criterion for selection, so long as candidates pass each part on their first attempt. Recommended documents for application submission via ERAS include a medical school transcript, dean’s letter, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement 2.

Furthermore, the program does not sponsor visas of any type, indicating that international medical graduates should possess appropriate visa status when applying. Candidates should aim to have unified credentials as they progress, as the program upholds a standard of excellence throughout the residency training process 2.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program's culture highlights camaraderie among residents, supported by the involvement of attending surgeons who contribute positively to the learning environment. Residents value the hands-on experience provided at Level 1 and Level 2 trauma centers, as they prepare for challenging cases typical in a busy clinical setting. Feedback from residents indicates strong support throughout their training, which aids in personal and professional development 1.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations are diverse, with residents experiencing varied patient cases across several facilities in the Greater Detroit region. The ambulatory surgical centers, community hospitals, and major trauma centers ensure that residents receive a wide spectrum of operative experience, essential for a well-rounded training 10. Notably, the program does not include out-of-state rotations, ensuring all clinical training is integrated locally.

Upon graduation, residents emerge well-prepared for various subspecialties, with extensive experience to match, notably in trauma, adult reconstruction, sports medicine, pediatrics, and foot and ankle surgery. This preparation is reflected in the program’s strong fellowship match rate for its graduates 8.

In summary, the Henry Ford Warren Orthopaedic Surgery Residency aims to be at the forefront of orthopedic training, combining rigorous academic curricula, extensive clinical exposure, and support for research initiatives, ensuring residents are comprehensively prepared for their futures in orthopedic surgery.