Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin offers a comprehensive training pathway designed to develop residents into competent orthopaedic physicians. The program is deeply rooted in a tradition of clinical excellence and education, emphasizing both academic and practical learning through a variety of clinical experiences.

Program Overview

The residency consists of five years with a total of five positions available each year. It aims to produce proficient general orthopaedic surgeons who are equipped with the skills necessary to practice without the need for fellowship training. Residents engage in both general and specialized orthopaedic surgery experiences through community and academic hospital settings. This robust training environment includes academic and community hospitals, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum encompasses a sequence of progressive rotations, allowing residents to gain hands-on experience from the start of their training:

• PGY-1: Initially spending one-month rotations in general trauma surgery, vascular surgery, orthopaedic medicine consults, plastic surgery, radiology, surgical intensive care unit, and non-operative care settings.
• PGY-2: Focuses on pediatric orthopaedics, hand and upper extremity service, adult reconstruction service, and orthopaedic trauma service.
• PGY-3: Residents engage with specialties such as oncology, spine, sports medicine, and additional trauma services.
• PGY-4: Involves more complex cases in trauma, pediatrics, and hand surgery.
• PGY-5: Provides leadership opportunities with a focus on advanced trauma and elective rotations.

This structure not only allows residents to build progressively on their experiences but also ensures that they rotate through each specialty multiple times, enhancing both their technical and clinical skills.

Clinical Training Sites

The program utilizes several high-quality clinical sites to provide diverse training experiences:

• Children's Wisconsin: Top-tier pediatric facility dedicated solely to children's health.
• Froedtert Hospital: A major adult care facility inclusive of emergency and complex surgical cases.
• Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center: Offers experiences in a busy, comprehensive Veterans Affairs center.
• Elective Sites: Additional sites include St. Luke's Hospital, Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, and Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, which focus on various community-based and specialized orthopaedic care.

These affiliations guarantee that residents encounter a diverse patient population and a wide variety of orthopaedic conditions.1

Research Opportunities

The program actively promotes resident engagement in research and academic endeavors. Residents are encouraged to participate in basic science and clinical research, and they have access to library resources and databases to support these activities. The program also facilitates attendance at significant annual conferences, which further enrich the educational experience and promote networking within the orthopaedic community.5

Resident Life

Resident life at the Medical College of Wisconsin is characterized by camaraderie and support among peers and faculty. The program emphasizes a collegial atmosphere conducive to mentorship and friendships. Residents engage in numerous extracurricular activities that contribute to a healthy work-life balance, such as welcoming events, celebrations, and opportunities for community involvement. This community aspect is crucial in fostering a positive educational environment.6

Application Process

To apply for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, candidates must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by October 1. Key requirements include:

• Completed ERAS Application
• Personal Statement
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three Electronic Standardized Letter of Recommendation (eSLOR) forms, preferably with one from an orthopaedic surgeon
• Medical School Official Transcript
• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Transcripts

In addition, all applicants must be registered with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The application process is competitive; thus, applicants should maintain strong academic records and demonstrate relevant experiences.2

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for applicants requiring sponsorship. It typically sponsors H-1B or J-1 visa types for international medical graduates, facilitating their training in the program. Detailed requirements for visa sponsorship should be verified during the application process.3

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is considered highly competitive regarding candidate selection. While the program is open to both D.O. and international medical graduates, applicants are encouraged to have strong performance on USMLE examinations, with a maximum of one failed attempt permitted for any step. The program seeks candidates who exhibit a commitment to orthopaedic surgery and possess the qualities of an effective team member and future leader.4