Jefferson Health New Jersey Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Jefferson Health in New Jersey is an ACGME-accredited program that aims to nurture residents into exceptional Orthopaedic Surgeons with an emphasis on strong professional ethics and lifelong learning. The program provides a well-rounded experience through rigorous academic, clinical, surgical, and research training within a supportive environment, relying on the Socratic method to foster critical thinking skills.

Training Hospitals and Sites

The Jefferson Health in New Jersey Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program offers training at several esteemed institutions:

• Jefferson Washington Township Hospital
• Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital
• Virtua Memorial – Mount Holly
• Nemours Children's Health
• Cooper University Health Care
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers, including Cherry Hill Surgical Center, Centennial Surgery Center, South Jersey Surgery Center, and Advanced Surgical Institute.

Curriculum Overview

The residency spans sixty months, structured as follows:

• PGY-1: Includes rotations in General Orthopaedic Surgery, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Radiology, and more, totaling 13 four-week rotations.
• PGY-2 through PGY-5: Each PGY level consists of two-month rotations in subspecialties including Sports, Spine, Hand, Trauma, and others, enriching the residents' exposure to varying orthopaedic practices.

This extensive curriculum not only develops surgical skills but also ensures a robust foundation in orthopaedic principles.

Academic and Conference Participation

Residents are actively involved in academic conferences and didactics, including weekly lectures, case presentations, and journal clubs that enhance their learning. They prepare for OITE (Orthopaedic In-Training Exam) through focused academic blocks and engage in both resident-led and attending-led educational sessions.

The program is committed to research, requiring each PGY-1 to publish a book chapter or case report, with increasing publication expectations through subsequent years. Residents are encouraged to present at national conferences, fostering a culture of scholarly activity.

Resident Life and Benefits

The residency provides a supportive environment with several benefits including:

• 4 weeks of vacation, 2 personal days, and 3 wellness days.
• An educational stipend of $1,000 per academic year, meal allowances, and support for research-related expenses.
• Health insurance options starting from the date of hire and provision of white coats and personalized scrubs.

This comprehensive support system ensures that residents can focus on their training without undue financial and personal stress.

Visa Support

The program is friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, including H-1B and J-1 visas depending on individual circumstances.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is quite competitive, accepting five residents annually through the National Residency Match Program (NRMP). Applicants must submit a comprehensive ERAS application that includes a personal statement, clinical transcripts, letters of recommendation, and USMLE or COMLEX scores.

Eligible candidates typically include recent medical graduates with no more than one failed STEP exam. The application deadline is December 1, with interviews conducted in January by invitation.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Jefferson Health in New Jersey’s Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program stands out due to its fellowship-trained faculty, diverse clinical exposure across various specialties, and commitment to resident education and well-being. The program fosters a collaborative learning atmosphere and provides ample opportunities for research and professional development.