Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital Program

The mission of the Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is to deliver outstanding education and training to orthopaedic residents. The program's objective is to ensure that each graduate possesses essential professionalism, medical knowledge, and surgical skills to safely and ethically serve the public while providing high-quality musculoskeletal care as a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. The residency program offers a unique one-on-one experience between residents and attending physicians, allowing for close mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.

Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) since 2019, the program has a strong foundation, previously holding accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for five years. Currently, there are 15 residents in the program, which actively participates in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) and accepts three interns annually. The interview process comprises two days, starting with an informal meet and greet with faculty followed by a structured interview and facility tours.

Residents primarily train at Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, complemented by experiences at the Hughston Clinic and Hughston Surgical Center. The program also includes rotations at Piedmont Midtown, St. Francis Hospital, Emory University Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Atlanta, providing a comprehensive training experience across various settings.

Curriculum

The residency curriculum is structured around 13 block rotations, each lasting approximately 28 days. This design aims to provide rigorous exposure to a variety of orthopaedic subspecialties, allowing residents to develop expertise in General Orthopaedics, Spine, Hand & Upper Extremity, Adult Reconstruction, Foot & Ankle, Pediatric Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, and Trauma. Specific training milestones across the residency years include:

• PGY 1: ATLS Course
• PGY 2: AO Basic Trauma Course – Basic Principles of Fracture Management
• PGY 3: Musculoskeletal Pathology Course (University of Florida)
• PGY 4: Attendance at the AAOS Annual Meeting
• PGY 5: AAOS Board Review Course

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral component of the residency program, with residents encouraged to engage in scholarly activities. Faculty members are involved in diverse research areas, and residents have opportunities to participate in projects related to their clinical interests. This facilitates a comprehensive understanding of both academic and clinical orthopaedics.

Salary and Benefits

The program provides a competitive salary structure as outlined:

• PGY-1: $57,000
• PGY-2: $59,000
• PGY-3: $62,000
• PGY-4: $64,000
• PGY-5: $66,000

The benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401k matching program, contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA), paid time off (including holidays and education days), free parking, and free meals on-site. An annual $1,000 education stipend is also provided for resources essential for residency training.

Audition Rotation Requirements

Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital offers a four-week audition rotation for 4th-year medical students. To be eligible for an audition rotation, students must be in good standing and pass Step/Level 1 of COMLEX/USMLE. Interested candidates must apply through their medical school with a complete set of documentation. Audition rotations occur between June and November each year, positioning interested applicants for optimal exposure to the residency program.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The residency program is known to be competitive and encourages applicants to have a thorough understanding of the orthopaedic field. Specific application requirements include a minimum score of 600 on COMLEX Level 2 or 230 on USMLE Step 2, along with other supporting documents such as a Curriculum Vitae, a Dean’s letter, and at least two letters of recommendation. To maximize opportunities, completing a rotation at Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital prior to application is strongly encouraged.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship, accommodating both J-1 and H-1B visa types, supporting international medical graduates in pursuing their residency training at the institution. With its emphasis on mentorship, comprehensive training, and supportive environment, the Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is designed to cultivate the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons.