Hospital for Special Surgery Program

The Foot and Ankle Fellowship program at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) stands out due to its comprehensive curriculum, innovative research opportunities, and distinguished faculty. Located in New York, this program is recognized for its commitment to cutting-edge treatments and a multidisciplinary approach to foot and ankle care.

Program Overview

The Foot and Ankle Fellowship lasts for one year, with positions available for three fellows annually. Set in a highly conducive learning environment, the fellowship offers a stipend that includes several benefits, such as subsidized housing. The fellowship is supervised by multiple orthopedic surgeons specializing in foot and ankle conditions, ensuring fellows receive a robust education comprising over 2,000 surgeries annually performed by the service at HSS. This experience enables participants to gain proficiency in both surgical and non-surgical aspects of various foot and ankle conditions, impacting patient care significantly.

Curriculum and Rotations

During the fellowship, fellows are expected to engage in three four-month rotations. Each rotation allows fellows to work closely with two or three primary attending surgeons, providing ample opportunities to participate in surgeries and outpatient clinics. Fellows can expect a hands-on experience as they are involved in all aspects of adult foot and ankle care, attending both the main hospital and the ambulatory surgical center (ASC) in Manhattan. They will spend a minimum of two days per week in the operating room, with additional hands-on training sessions in the HSS Simulation Learning & Training Center, which focuses on the development of technical skills necessary for complex procedures.

Research Opportunities

Research is integral to HSS, and fellows are expected to complete two research projects before graduating. These projects can be presented within the institution or at national conferences, contributing not only to the education of the fellows but also advancing the field of foot and ankle orthopedics through valuable research output. The fellowship is backed by an extensive foot and ankle registry that collects data from over 35,000 patients, making it a rich resource for clinical studies and follow-up research.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is HSS's main campus, which is among the most prestigious orthopedic hospitals globally. The fellows will also gain exposure at various other affiliated locations in New York, enhancing their learning through diverse outpatient and surgical environments. This multi-site experience equips fellows with comprehensive clinical skills in managing a range of treatments for foot and ankle injuries.

Unique Aspects of the Program

What sets the HSS Fellowship apart is its focus on innovative surgical techniques and treatment methods, with faculty members who are not only practitioners but also leaders in orthopedic research and education. Each fellow is immersed in an academic environment where they can actively contribute to new developments in foot and ankle surgery. HSS's reputation as one of the top orthopedic institutions globally enhances the learning experience, providing fellows with unique interactions with renowned specialists in various disciplines.

Visa Support

The fellowship provides visa support for international applicants. Fellows coming from abroad can obtain sponsorship for various visa types, ensuring that the program is accessible to a diverse range of trainees from around the world.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Foot and Ankle Fellowship is notably competitive, attracting applicants from around the country and internationally. Applicants must register for the San Francisco Matching Program (SF Match) and comply with specific requirements regarding eligibility, including a strong academic background and clinical experience in orthopedic surgery. It is advisable for candidates to have completed an ACGME-accredited residency prior to applying. The program has stringent standards, and the application process includes a review of past academic performance, clinical evaluations, and research efforts.

Continual Learning and Professional Development

The program emphasizes continuous learning and professional development, with opportunities to observe and participate in advanced orthopedic techniques and the latest healthcare innovations within foot and ankle treatments. This commitment to education ensures that fellows emerge as leaders in the field, equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to evolving clinical practices and challenges.