MedStar Health Georgetown University (D.C.) Program

The MedStar Health—Georgetown University Hospital Residency Program in Orthopaedic Surgery offers a comprehensive five-year training program designed to produce skilled and knowledgeable orthopaedic surgeons. The program aims at fostering the professional and personal growth of its residents while maintaining the highest standards of patient care. It is an ACGME-accredited program that accepts four resident trainees annually.

The residency is enriched with diverse experiences at notable institutions, including the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the MedStar Washington Hospital Center, which is recognized as the largest private hospital in Washington, D.C. During the residency, trainees engage in extensive clinical rotations and gain broad exposure to various orthopaedic specialties.

Curriculum Overview

The residency is structured as follows:

PGY-1 Year

The first year includes rotations in general orthopedics and orthopedic trauma, alongside additional exposure to general surgery, trauma, surgical intensive care unit (SICU), and musculoskeletal radiology, totaling six months dedicated to orthopaedics split between MedStar Georgetown University and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Residents also have primary call responsibilities during this time.

PGY-2 to PGY-5 Years

In the subsequent years (PGY-2 through PGY-5), residents obtain graded experience at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Each resident will spend 21 months at this primary training site, where they engage in various orthopaedic subspecialties:

• Trauma
• Sports medicine and arthroscopy
• Total joint replacement
• Pediatric orthopedics

The PGY-4 year includes a dedicated trauma rotation and opportunities are provided for additional learning and mentorship through other affiliated hospitals.

Didactic Program and Outpatient Experience

Complementing the clinical training is a formal didactic program where protected time is allocated for educational conferences. Residents are expected to consistently attend these educational sessions to enhance their procedural skills and theoretical knowledge.

Regarding outpatient experience, each resident participates in orthopedic outpatient services two half days per week, fostering continuity of care through a variety of clinical encounters. This is integral to establishing a well-rounded competency in managing patients preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.

Research and Academic Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research endeavors, and there are dedicated opportunities to work alongside faculty members on a variety of projects. This initiative aids in developing a deeper understanding of the scientific principles underlying orthopaedic practice.

Application Process

The program participates in the National Residency Matching Program and reviews applications meticulously. Interested candidates must submit a complete application via ERAS by the specified deadline, which includes:

• USMLE Step 1 transcript
• Medical school transcript
• Personal statement
• 2-3 letters of recommendation

Note that the program currently only sponsors J-1 visas as part of its visa policy.

Competitiveness and Candidate Profile

The MedStar Health—Georgetown University Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery program is known to be highly competitive. Candidates are expected to have strong academic backgrounds, as well as excellent performance on USMLE examinations. Osteopathic applicants are welcome, and COMLEX scores will be accepted alongside USMLE examinations with certain criteria applied.

Diversity Scholarship

The program also promotes diversity through its scholarship initiatives aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing stipends to assist with travel and housing expenses associated with away rotations.