Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium provides a comprehensive and hands-on training experience centered around the principles of orthopaedic surgery. This program emphasizes a supportive and family-oriented environment, promoting strong relationships among faculty, residents, and staff, which is crucial for fostering professional growth.

Program Overview

This residency program consists of 25 residents and aims to train surgeons who possess both clinical and technical expertise along with whole person care principles. Residents experience a high volume of operative cases early in their training, which is integral to developing the necessary skills for their future practice. The program benefits from its affiliation with the only Level 1 Trauma Center in San Bernardino County, allowing residents to gain diverse clinical experiences across multiple settings including county hospitals and VA hospitals 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to offer a well-rounded orthopaedic education, with an emphasis on hands-on experience and early operative involvement. Residents participate in didactic sessions protected from clinical duties, and there are dedicated research blocks integrated into the training timeline. Throughout their residency, they rotate through various specialties relevant to orthopaedic surgery, including general surgery, vascular surgery, and pediatrics.

Residents from all PGY levels engage in a mix of experiences: PGY-1 residents focus on foundational orthopaedic rotations, while PGY-2 through PGY-5 residents rotate through specialized fields such as trauma, spine surgery, and joint replacement, culminating in a chief administrative role in PGY-5 2.

Rotations and Training Sites

The training includes rotations at multiple institutions: the Dennis and Carol Troesh Medical Campus, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, and the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. This diversity ensures exposure to a variety of patient populations and clinical scenarios. Additionally, residents have the unique opportunity to participate in international rotations, including service projects in Haiti 3.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the program, with dedicated time for residents to engage in projects and contribute to the field of orthopaedics. The program encourages collaboration with faculty for conducting meaningful research, which is instrumental in developing critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for a successful career in medicine 4.

Global Health and Community Engagement

The program integrates a global health initiative, allowing residents to actively participate in outreach activities and international service opportunities. This involvement fosters an appreciation for diverse healthcare landscapes and equips residents with the skills to address global health challenges 5.

Health Disparities Focus

Residents are educated about the unique healthcare needs of underserved populations, focusing on health disparities prevalent in the community. This includes understanding social determinants of health and implementing strategies to improve health outcomes 6.

Support and Well-Being

The program actively promotes residents' well-being through various support systems, including the designation of a Chief Wellness Resident who implements wellness initiatives. The curriculum takes a holistic approach, ensuring that residents' health, lifestyle, and well-being are prioritized 7.

Stipends and Benefits

Loma Linda University offers highly competitive stipends and comprehensive benefits for residents, including medical and dental coverage, housing allowances, and reimbursement for educational expenses. Specific perks like a wellness program and meal allowances are designed to support the quality of life for residents 8.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program provides support for international medical graduates, accepting J-1 visas sponsored by ECFMG and H-1B visas. Applicants are expected to have completed relevant medical training, and there are criteria regarding the maximum number of unsuccessful attempts at board examinations, ensuring high standards in the selection process 9.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Loma Linda University is known to be highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including both DO and IMG candidates. This diversity enriches the residency environment, fostering broader perspectives in clinical practice and research 10.