MedStar Health Georgetown University Program

The MedStar Health—Georgetown University Hospital Residency Program in Orthopaedic Surgery is a comprehensive five-year training program accredited by the ACGME. This program accepts four resident trainees annually, focusing on the ethical, professional, and personal development of residents while ensuring safe patient care. It is hosted at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, a primary clinical site connected to MedStar Health, and is recognized as the #1 hospital in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report 1.

Program Overview

The residency begins with a PGY-1 year that includes six months of general orthopedics and orthopedic trauma, rotating between MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center, followed by rotations in surgery, trauma, SICU, and musculoskeletal radiology 1. The subsequent years (PGY-2 through PGY-5) feature a structured progression of experiences tailored to grant residents the exposure needed to obtain a holistic education in orthopedics.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program encompasses multiple rotations tailored to provide diverse and comprehensive orthopedic training. Notable rotations include:

• PGY-1: General Orthopedics and Trauma, Surgical Skills.
• PGY-2: Adult Reconstruction, Foot and Ankle Surgery.
• PGY-3: Pediatric Orthopedics at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and Hand Surgery.
• PGY-4: Trauma, Sports Medicine, and Pediatric Orthopedics.
• PGY-5: Community Orthopedics, including rotations at INOVA and MedStar Montgomery Medical Center.

Residents also participate in a structured didactic program that complements clinical experiences and provides residents with protected time for conferences and educational sessions 1.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes engagement in research, allowing residents to collaborate with faculty in various orthopedic subspecialties. Research activities are encouraged, and faculty members actively support resident-led projects, contributing to advancements in orthopedic practice 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The MedStar Health orthopedic residency program is characterized by unique elements that enhance training:

• Extensive exposure to orthopedic trauma, including dedicated trauma rotations.
• A focus on outpatient care with experiences structured to include continuity of care across the perioperative continuum.
• Located in Washington, D.C., providing access to a diverse patient population and various healthcare settings.

Visa Support

The residency program offers sponsorship for J-1 visas only. This allows international medical graduates to participate in this rigorous training program, ensuring a diverse cohort of residents 2.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The MedStar Georgetown orthopedic residency program is considered competitive, with a selection process that includes comprehensive review of applications. Candidates are expected to have completed all required application documents, including USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Osteopathic applicants may submit COMLEX scores alongside USMLE scores. The program has specific guidelines regarding eligibility, with particular attention to candidates' academic performance, including passing scores on required examinations 2.

Diversity and Scholarships

The program is committed to promoting diversity within the orthopedic field through initiatives such as scholarships aimed at students from under-represented backgrounds. This scholarship provides financial assistance for travel and accommodation costs for away rotations at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital 1.

Current Residents and Graduates

The program boasts a diverse mix of residents who are committed to excelling in various orthopedic subspecialties. Recent graduates have secured fellowship positions at highly regarded institutions, reflecting the program's strong educational foundation and networking opportunities within the orthopedic community 3.