Madigan Army Medical Center Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Madigan Army Medical Center is a five-year, ACGME-accredited program located in Tacoma, Washington. The program is designed to train residents to become independent, board-certified orthopaedic surgeons, prepared to provide high-quality musculoskeletal care from the battlefield through to civilian practice.

Program Overview

The program encompasses comprehensive training in all aspects of orthopaedic surgery, with a total approved complement of 15 residents, accepting three residents per year. Unique to the program is its deep integration with both military and civilian healthcare systems, serving a diverse patient population. Madigan serves as a tertiary care facility, catering to nearly 300,000 active-duty service members, their families, and retirees, and specializes in a range of medical and surgical disciplines, including trauma care.

Curriculum and Rotations

At Madigan, residents will experience a well-structured curriculum consisting of clinical, surgical, didactic, and research components. Residents are involved in approximately 1400-1600 surgical cases across their residency and participate diligently in academic activities, which include daily morning reports, grand rounds, and various specialty lectures. The program does not offer a dedicated research year; however, residents are allotted at least two months of dedicated research time throughout their training.

Residents rotate through renowned institutions such as Harborview Medical Center and Seattle Children’s Hospital, both known for their emphasis on advanced trauma care. The residency utilizes a block rotation system with 12 rotations for PGY2-PGY5 and 13 rotations for PGY1, ensuring exposure to all orthopaedic subspecialties including trauma, pediatric orthopaedics, and sports medicine.

Training Environment

The training environment at Madigan is characterized by a low faculty-to-resident ratio, facilitating hands-on learning and mentorship. Each resident is typically paired with multiple staff mentors, leading to personalized guidance throughout the residency. The approach to training emphasizes collaboration and near-peer teaching, allowing junior residents to participate actively in both education and patient care.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The application process for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Madigan is competitive. Applicants are encouraged to participate in an in-person sub-internship rotation, which lasts a minimum of two weeks and provides a robust opportunity for clinical engagement. Interviews are conducted during rotations and applicants should be prepared to discuss their clinical experience, including relevant rotations, prior to their interviews.

Specific educational prerequisites include graduation from medical school and successful completion of the required core competencies. Applicants should also prepare to meet standards set by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery as part of the certification process.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for candidates applying for residency, and it sponsors J-1 visas, which are commonly used for international medical graduates. This reflects the program's commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the healthcare workforce.

Research and Professional Development

Research is highly valued within the program, with structured opportunities for residents to present their projects at conferences. Additionally, the Orthopaedic Research Director oversees quarterly conferences where residents can discuss research updates and challenges faced within projects. Residents are also encouraged to engage in Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement (QA/QI) conferences to enhance their clinical skills.

Well-Being Initiatives

Resident wellness plays an essential role in the program. Regular wellness days and physical training activities are incorporated into the schedule to promote a balanced lifestyle. Efforts are made to foster camaraderie through activities such as sports and community events, enhancing the overall resident experience.

Professional Engagement

Residents have opportunities for additional leadership roles, such as serving as Academic Chief Resident in their final year. This role involves overseeing educational programs and coordinating rotations, providing a unique perspective on the administration of a medical education program.

Conclusion

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Madigan Army Medical Center stands out for its emphasis on comprehensive training, individualized mentorship, and collaborative learning environment, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking a rigorous and dynamic residency experience.