Louisiana State University (Shreveport) Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery program at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport offers a comprehensive five-year residency training that focuses on translating academic knowledge into practical patient care. The program is deeply committed to educating residents while fostering a culture of research and excellence in orthopaedic care.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The residency comprises a total of five years of training across various clinical and surgical settings. Each year, three PGY-1 positions are filled through the National Resident Matching Program. Residents participate in extensive rotations through four primary training sites: Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Academic Medical Center, Shriners Hospital for Children, Overton Brooks Veteran Administration Medical Center, and Willis Knighton Health System. This diverse exposure equips residents with a well-rounded experience in trauma, reconstructive surgery, pediatric orthopaedics, and rehabilitation 1.

The training includes a range of subspecialties, allowing residents to engage in critical aspects such as sports injuries, joint reconstruction, and trauma management. Interns also rotate through emergency medicine, plastic surgery, and vascular surgery, among others 4.

Research and Innovation

Research plays a pivotal role in the residency program at LSU Health Shreveport. Faculty members, including those leading dedicated research labs, collaborate on impactful projects in orthopaedics. Focus areas include meniscus repair, trauma outcomes enhancement, biomechanics, and artificial intelligence applications in surgery 5. Each resident is expected to complete two academic projects, thereby engaging with the curriculum beyond mere clinical duties and fostering skills vital for future independent research 6.

Wellness and Support

The program is committed to resident wellness, incorporating safety measures and educational practices that promote well-being amidst the demanding nature of medical training. Residents have access to peer support and wellness resources, ensuring a healthy work-life balance 5.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty comprises accomplished orthopaedic surgeons, each specializing in different aspects of the field. With a commitment to teaching and mentorship, the faculty ensure residents receive personalized guidance throughout their training. This collegial atmosphere promotes shared learning and professional development 2.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. Typically, it can facilitate J-1 or H-1B visa types, allowing candidates to participate in the residency program without complications related to immigration 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The residency is considered highly competitive, attracting a diverse group of applicants, including a favorable stance towards DO and IMG candidates. Specific application requirements include a successful track record on USMLE Step exams and a commitment to continued education and development in orthopaedic surgery. There may be limits on the number of attempts at the USMLE exams, and applicants are encouraged to review specific criteria before applying 1.

Training Facilities and Resources

The residency program is supported by state-of-the-art facilities that comprise a surgical skills laboratory, a biomechanics lab, and access to a comprehensive medical library. Each resident has access to current textbooks, medical journals, and advanced educational materials, tailored to enhance clinical decision-making and surgical skills development 6. Residents also participate in national orthopaedic surgery meetings, ensuring exposure to the latest advancements in the field.

In summary, the Orthopaedic Surgery program at LSU Health Shreveport offers a robust training environment that merges clinical experience with research opportunities, mentoring, and a supportive atmosphere for resident wellness.