Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Hand Surgery Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin is a prestigious one-year program accredited by the ACGME, designed to provide comprehensive education in the management of hand and upper extremity conditions. This fellowship combines the expertise of both Plastic Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery to equip fellows with the necessary skills to handle a wide spectrum of cases ranging from finger to shoulder. The program covers advanced arthroscopy techniques and treatment strategies for peripheral nerve and brachial plexus injuries, ensuring fellows gain exposure to various aspects of hand surgery right from the start of their training.

Since its inception in 1988, the fellowship has graduated 65 individuals who have gone on to excel in careers within hand, upper extremity, and microvascular surgery. The program consistently accepts two fellows each year, ensuring a focused and tailored educational experience for each participant. This small cohort allows for personalized mentorship from an accomplished faculty which includes experienced surgeons and educators from both specialties involved in hand surgery.

Fellows are expected to meet several eligibility requirements before applying to the program. Applicants must have completed an ACGME accredited residency in either Plastic or Orthopedic Surgery and must be eligible for board certification in their respective specialties. Additionally, applicants need to hold or be in the process of obtaining a medical license in the State of Wisconsin. A commitment to a full year of training, running from August 1 to July 31, is also essential for candidates.

Program Goals and Objectives

The objectives of the Hand Surgery Fellowship are multifaceted, focused on both the academic and practical development of fellows. The overarching goal is to provide an academic environment conducive to achieving surgical excellence, encompassing diagnostic, cognitive, therapeutic, and technical competencies necessary for treating diverse upper extremity conditions. Fellows will engage with new technologies and integrate current literature into their clinical practices. A significant component of the program involves completing at least one research project, solidifying the fellow's ability to contribute to the academic field of hand surgery.

Clinical Training and Didactic Curriculum

The clinical training within the fellowship is designed to ensure comprehensive exposure to both surgical and non-surgical management of upper extremity disorders. Fellows take part in several conferences and educational sessions that include:

• Weekly Hand Surgery Conference – Focuses on presentations from faculty and fellows encompassing a variety of topics relevant to hand surgery.
• Monthly Morbidity and Mortality Conference – These sessions involve case reviews in which fellows can present their experiences with specific cases.
• Bi-monthly Journal Club – Fellows lead discussions focused on the latest findings in hand surgery literature.
• Regular Anatomy Labs – Special dissection labs offered through the Plastic Surgery department that provide hands-on learning opportunities.

Each fellow is required to maintain an operative case log and participate actively in supervising and teaching residents and medical students throughout the year.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research, aiming to produce a minimum of one publishable paper within the domain of basic or clinical research relevant to hand surgery. This focus on research ensures fellows not only apply learned techniques and theories in practice but also contribute to the broader academic community, enhancing their profiles as future leaders in hand surgery.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is open to international applicants and offers visa sponsorship opportunities, specifically for J-1 and H-1B visa categories, allowing eligible foreign medical graduates to undertake the fellowship. Its competitive nature requires prospective fellows to demonstrate high levels of proficiency in their medical training and a robust commitment to the specialty, which makes it attractive to well-qualified candidates, including Board-eligible orthopaedic and plastic surgeons.

The selection process is rigorous, taking into account factors such as academic performance, letters of recommendation, and personal statements that reflect the candidate's suitability for advanced training in hand surgery.