Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Phoenix) Program

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Mayo Clinic's Phoenix/Scottsdale campus in Arizona is a comprehensive five-year program aimed at preparing residents for a successful career in orthopedic surgery. This residency is designed to provide extensive clinical experience, didactic training, and research opportunities, allowing residents to evaluate musculoskeletal pathology and treat a variety of orthopedic conditions.

The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and fulfills all training requirements as established by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, enabling graduates to sit for board certification examinations.1

Curriculum

The curriculum offers a robust clinical training experience across various subspecialty areas such as adult reconstruction, orthopedic oncology, trauma surgery, pediatric orthopedics, sports medicine, and spine surgery. In the first year, residents participate in rotations that cover foundational topics like trauma surgery, medical-surgical ICU, and plastic surgery, in addition to initial orthopedics.3

Residents engage in a dedicated sports medicine rotation where they serve as team physicians for local high school teams, handling responsibilities from pre-participation evaluations to injury treatment and rehabilitation. They also provide assistance to faculty in the care of NCAA Division I college teams.3

Rotation Schedule

The first year (PGY-1) comprises several crucial rotations, each lasting one month, to build a solid foundation of clinical skills. This includes:

• Resident boot camp
• Trauma surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Medical-surgical ICU
• Plastic surgery
• Vascular surgery

Throughout the residency, residents are also expected to conduct clinical research under faculty supervision, with teaching opportunities for junior residents and medical students available in various capacities.3

Application Process

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency program at Mayo Clinic offers two competitive positions each year, emphasizing the importance of a robust application process. Candidates are required to submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by November 1st of the year preceding the program start date. All appointments are made through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).2

Applicants must meet general admissions requirements and will be assessed through interviews conducted in January. It is critical that applicants demonstrate both competency and a keen interest in the field of orthopedic surgery.

Department and Faculty

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery comprises a diverse array of subspecialty faculty with expertise in areas including adult reconstruction, shoulder and elbow surgery, foot and ankle surgery, and sports orthopedics. Many faculty members are widely recognized for their contributions to orthopedic surgery through publications and presentations at significant medical conferences. This commitment to education allows residents to benefit from a wealth of knowledge and mentorship throughout their training.4

Residents have access to faculty advisors for personalized support and guidance, ensuring that they receive the educational experience tailored to their career goals. Many prominent visiting professors also participate in the educational framework, enhancing the learning environment with lectures and discussions among trainees.4

Visa Support

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency program offers visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates. Typically, the program can provide support for H-1B and J-1 visa types, which facilitates participation for those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This inclusivity emphasizes the program's commitment to attracting diverse talent to its training environment.

Competitiveness

Applying to the Orthopedic Surgery Residency program at Mayo Clinic is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on both academic performance and clinical experience. The program welcomes applications from osteopathic (DO) candidates and international medical graduates (IMGs), underscoring its dedication to selecting the most qualified individuals regardless of their background. However, it is essential for candidates to prepare a strong application that outlines their skills and experiences relevant to orthopedic surgery to enhance their chances of selection.2

Special Application Requirements

While specific details regarding year of graduation or maximum failed STEP exams aren't explicitly stated in the program materials, candidates should be aware that all applicants must adhere to Mayo Clinic's general admissions requirements. It is advisable to maintain a competitive academic record and demonstrate a robust commitment to the field of orthopedics during the application process.