Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Jacksonville) Program

The Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Lower Extremity (Hip and Knee) Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, is a specialized one-year training program aimed at orthopedic surgeons seeking to enhance their expertise in the evaluation and management of both primary and complex hip and knee conditions. This fellowship prepares participants for successful careers in either academic settings or private practice, emphasizing hands-on training facilitated by a mentorship model alongside dedicated faculty members.

The program consists of 12 months of clinical work where fellows rotate through different consultant services, typically ranging from six weeks to three months in duration. During these rotations, fellows engage in preoperative consultations, assist in surgical procedures, and are involved in postoperative care under the direct supervision of experienced faculty members in adult lower extremity reconstructive surgery. This practical training is complemented by educational activities such as case conferences, journal clubs, and cadaver lab sessions, providing an essential foundation in both clinical skills and surgical techniques.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to ensure fellows gain significant experience through clinical rotations and direct interactions with patients and faculty. Educational activities are structured around daily clinical encounters, enabling rapid progression in responsibilities and competence. Didactic components include:

• Participation in the Tuesday morning hip and knee joint conference, where fellows present cases
• Engagement in Monday morning Orthopedic Grand Rounds and Resident Conferences
• Quarterly journal clubs focusing on contemporary topics in arthroplasty
• Regular access to cadaver lab experiences emphasizing the technical skills required for complex procedures

Research opportunities during the fellowship are robust, supported by patient registries and research coordinators. Each fellow is encouraged to undertake at least one patient-oriented research project, promoting scholarly activity leading to possible publication.

Training and Evaluation

Fellows in the Adult Reconstructive Surgery program are required to participate in call responsibilities, which allow them to enhance their decision-making capabilities and surgical autonomy while ensuring continued support from faculty. The program allows for moonlighting opportunities with the program director's approval, as long as it does not interfere with required obligations and adheres to work-hour regulations.

To ensure fellows are meeting educational goals, a thorough evaluation process is implemented, including formal assessments from supervising faculty that are discussed regularly. This structured feedback is critical for fellows to gauge their progress across the core competencies established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Application Process

Each year, one position is available for this fellowship, and applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited orthopedic residency. There is no graduation cutoff date, allowing for broader eligibility. Additionally, candidates must qualify for a full medical license in Florida.

International applicants can apply using the ECFMG J-1 visa sponsorship, and many H-1B visas may be granted under special circumstances. Successful candidates are selected via the SF Match process, where applicants submit a Central Application Service (CAS) application, required documents, and participate in interviews held between December and February of the preceding academic year.

Department and Faculty

The Adult Reconstructive Surgery fellowship program benefits from just-in-time mentorship and faculty accessibility. The orthopedic faculty at Mayo Clinic includes 13 full-time members specializing in various aspects of orthopedic surgery, enhancing the collaborative environment within the training program. Faculty members are not only devoted clinicians but also active educators and researchers who are widely recognized in the field.

Each fellow is assigned a faculty advisor to assist in educational and personal development while facilitating integration into the Mayo Clinic community. The program also welcomes visiting professors who contribute through lectures and clinical discussions.

Competitive Nature and Special Requirements

The fellowship is competitive, attracting applicants from various backgrounds, including international medical graduates. Notably, there is no strict graduation year requirement, making the program more accessible to candidates regardless of how many years have passed since their residency completion.

Throughout the fellowship experience, fellows report high levels of satisfaction due to the strong support system and comprehensive curriculum designed to cater to individual aspirations in the field of adult reconstructive surgery.