Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Program

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV offers a comprehensive Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program designed to cultivate proficient and compassionate orthopaedic surgeons. The program aims to furnish residents with the essential knowledge base, technical skills, and interpersonal abilities to provide exemplary patient care while adhering to ethical practices in orthopaedics.

The residency encompasses a robust curriculum that aligns with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) principles, emphasizing graded responsibility through competency-based evaluation. This structured training supports residents in developing autonomy and leadership throughout their medical journey.

Curriculum

The residency curriculum spans multiple areas of orthopaedic surgery, providing in-depth exposure to a range of subspecialties. Residents engage in a rotating core curriculum, which includes:

• Orthopaedic trauma: 3 months
• Spine: 3 months
• Hand surgery: 3 months
• Pediatric orthopaedics: 3 months
• Adult reconstructive surgery: 3 months
• Sports medicine/Shoulder & Elbow: 3 months
• Night float system for orthopaedic trauma: 3 months
• Research: 1 month

In addition to clinical rotations, residents participate in various conferences, including Grand Rounds, morbidity and mortality conferences, and a surgical skills lab. The program also encourages research, providing dedicated time for residents to present findings at national meetings which further enhances their educational experience.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the program is the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC), which serves a diverse population, ensuring residents gain experience in managing various pathological conditions. Other training sites include:

• Orthopaedic & Spine Institute: An outpatient setting that focuses on trauma, spine care, pediatric orthopaedics, and more.
• VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System: Offers residents the opportunity to care for veterans, thereby understanding the unique healthcare needs of this population.
• Community Partnerships: Involving rotations at additional hospitals such as Sunrise Hospital and Southern Hills Hospital to broaden practical experience.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental component of the residency program. Residents are required to undertake a significant research project during their training, enabling them to contribute to the field actively. Funding for attending national meetings, where residents can showcase their research, is allocated based on availability.

Resident Life

The program emphasizes a balanced lifestyle, recognizing the importance of resident well-being. The night float system reduces call burden, enhancing the work-life balance. Las Vegas offers a vibrant community with numerous lifestyle benefits, including no state income tax, a low cost of living, and a plethora of recreational activities in proximity to natural landmarks.

The camaraderie among residents is nurtured by a personal approach from faculty, who are committed to ensuring that each resident flourishes both academically and personally. Testimonials from current residents highlight the supportive environment fostered within the program, noting the value of welcoming feedback and creating an adaptive residency experience.

Application Process

The application process for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency requires candidates to submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Key prerequisites include a completed application, medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores. Applicants should be aware of any specific requirements that may be pertinent to their educational background.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international graduates seeking residency training in the United States. It offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, enabling qualified international medical graduates to participate in the residency.

Competitiveness and Admission Requirements

The program is considered highly competitive and welcomes applications from both US MD/DO graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). It is essential for prospective residents to review any specific application requirements, such as the year of graduation and any maximum limits on failed USMLE exams.