Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Phoenix) Program

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Phoenix, Arizona, spans five years and is designed to equip trainees with comprehensive skills to evaluate musculoskeletal pathology and manage a wide range of orthopedic conditions efficiently. The residency is characterized by extensive clinical practice as well as didactic learning and research activities that progressively enhance the resident's responsibilities in patient care throughout the program length.1

Accreditation and Certification

This residency program meets the training requirements set forth by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Completing the program qualifies residents for the certification examinations from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Program History

Initiated in 2015, the program trains two residents each year, indicating a strong commitment to maintaining high-quality education and comprehensive training in orthopedic surgery.

Application Process

Each year, the Orthopedic Surgery Residency offers two competitive positions. Applicants must fulfill all general admission prerequisites for the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. The application and supporting documents must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by November 1 of the previous year, with the program commencing in July. Also, applicants must register through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) to be considered.

Interviews take place in January, where potential residents engage with the program director and faculty members in assessing mutual fit for the program.2

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum encompasses a robust clinical training framework covering all subspecialty areas of orthopedics, including:

• Adult Reconstruction
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
• Microvascular Surgery
• Orthopedic Oncology
• Orthopedic Trauma
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Spine Surgery
• Sports Medicine

During the sports medicine rotation, residents assume roles as team physicians for local high school athletes, engaging in all facets of athletic care, from pre-participation exams to rehabilitation of injuries. They also assist with an NCAA Division I college sports team during their sports medicine rotation, which strengthens their practical skills in dealing with sports-related injuries.3

Rotation Schedule

The first year encompasses a series of one-month rotations, including:

• Resident Boot Camp
• Trauma Surgery
• Medical-Surgical ICU
• Vascular Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Adult Reconstruction
• Musculoskeletal Trauma Surgery
• Upper Extremity
• Foot and Ankle
• Pediatrics
• Spine

In addition to orthopedic rotations, the first-year residents participate in six months of nonorthopedic clinical rotations, designed to enhance knowledge applicable to orthopedics.3

Research and Didactic Training

Residents are required to conduct annual research projects under supervision, incorporating clinical conferences as a vital part of their education. Didactic training throughout the residency includes seminars, journal clubs, and one-on-one instruction.3

Off-Site Rotations

A portion of rotations occurs off-campus in highly respected facilities, broadening the educational experience:

• Trauma Surgery — HonorHealth
• Orthopedic Trauma / Spine Surgery — HonorHealth and Sonoran Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons
• Pediatric Orthopedics — Phoenix Children's Hospital

Department and Faculty

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix provides access to a wide breadth of expertise through its subspecialty faculty. This includes specialists in fields around sports, oncology, foot and ankle surgery, and more. Faculty are dedicated not only to patient care but also to the education of residents. Mentorship opportunities are abundant, with regular meetings to discuss progress and provide personal guidance.4

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides appropriate visa sponsorship, including J-1 and H-1B visas for qualified applicants. Generally considered highly competitive, prospective residents should prepare to present a strong application to enhance their chances of selection.

Application Requirements

Specific requirements for applicants include submission deadlines for documentation and the necessity of passing USMLE or COMLEX exams without exceeding a limited number of attempts, ensuring applicants are well-fitted to handle the challenges of rigorous residency training.