McLaren Health Care/Flint/MSU Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at McLaren Flint is a comprehensive five-year, allopathic program designed to train proficient orthopedic surgeons through a collaborative and immersive learning environment. The program is affiliated with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and holds full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) 1. Established in 1973, the program emphasizes a strong foundational education in various orthopaedic subspecialties while fostering close relationships among residents and faculty, ensuring a high degree of personal mentorship and support.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is meticulously crafted to encompass a diverse range of clinical experiences, ensuring that residents acquire the necessary expertise and skills to excel in orthopaedic surgery. Residents will experience all sub-specialties, including trauma, adult reconstruction, pediatrics, spine, hand and upper extremity, oncology, sports medicine, shoulder and elbow, foot and ankle, and general orthopaedics 1. Protected daily didactics complement the clinical experience, including weekly grand rounds and monthly journal clubs, which foster a culture of academic inquiry and continuous learning.

Clinical Rotations

The program provides a structured 12-month rotation schedule tailored to maximize exposure in various settings. Rotations primarily take place at McLaren Flint Medical Center, supplemented with specific rotations at Hurley Medical Center—a Level I trauma center—and selected sites such as Shriners Hospitals for Children in Spokane, Washington, and the University of Michigan for orthopaedic oncology 1. The exposure to such a variety of clinical environments, including trauma, rehabilitation, and specialized care, prepares residents for the multifaceted demands of orthopaedic practice.

Sample Rotations Include:

• Emergency Medicine - 1 month
• General Surgery - 1 month
• Orthopaedic Surgery (mix of high/low acuity) - 6 months
• Pediatric Orthopaedics - 4 months at Shriners Hospital
• Oncology - 6 weeks at the University of Michigan
• Research - 3 months

This structured approach emphasizes both breadth and depth within the field of orthopaedics, culminating in significant clinical exposure and practical skill acquisition.

Unique Program Features

One of the salient aspects of the McLaren Flint Orthopaedic Surgery Residency is its focus on research and innovation in collaboration with Kettering University 1. Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects, fostering an environment where they can develop critical thinking skills and contribute new knowledge to the field.

The program also prioritizes hands-on learning through skills labs and cadaveric sessions, further enhancing surgical proficiency. In addition, the majority of the training occurs within a supportive community-based environment, allowing residents to gain experience servicing diverse patient populations.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The application process for the program is competitive, requiring applicants to demonstrate strong academic credentials, motivation, and integrity. Candidates must submit a completed application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), including a minimum of three letters of recommendation and passing scores on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 or COMLEX Step 1 and Step 2 1. Importantly, applicants with US citizenship or legal residency status are eligible for consideration, but visas are not supported by the program.

Benefits and Support

Residents at the McLaren Flint Orthopaedic Surgery Residency receive a competitive salary with associated benefits that support their well-being throughout the program. Opportunities for travel to educational conferences and access to educational resources further enhance the training experience 1.

Above all, McLaren Flint ensures that graduates leave well-prepared to either enter the workforce or pursue fellowships in subspecialties across the country, with many of its alumni successfully matching to prestigious fellowship positions post-graduation.