MedStar Health Georgetown University Program

The MedStar Health—Union Memorial Hospital Fellowship Program in Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics provides an immersive experience centered around individual mentorship. Each fellow is paired with a faculty member, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of multiple surgical approaches to foot and ankle disorders, creating a robust educational platform.

Curriculum Overview

Fellows gain substantial exposure to a wide variety of conditions affecting both adult and pediatric populations, focusing on the forefoot, hindfoot, and ankle. Diseases treated include diabetes-related complications, trauma, sports injuries, arthritis, and more complex reconstructive cases. Each year, approximately 1,900 surgical procedures are performed, enabling fellows to engage in every stage of foot and ankle reconstruction activities. This process is complemented by the involvement of specialists, including full-time orthotists and physical therapists trained specifically in foot and ankle management 1.

Furthermore, the program facilitates learning around innovation in product design related to foot and ankle surgery, providing insights into patents and corporate engagement in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University's Biomedical Engineering department 1. This interdisciplinary approach extends to affiliations with other educational institutions, enhancing the fellows' experience through diverse research and educational opportunities.

Responsibilities and Research Opportunities

The fellowship encompasses roughly ten months of clinical rotations with an additional two months dedicated to research in biomechanics or biologics laboratories. Each fellow is expected to engage in approved clinical research projects throughout the year, with a goal of preparing a minimum of three papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals before the completion of their fellowship 1.

Fellows are also integral to the teaching schedule, participating in weekly orthopedic conferences where surgical cases are discussed and evaluated. A range of educational opportunities, including journal clubs and seminars, enhance the fellows’ knowledge and skills throughout the year 1.

Patient Care and Responsibilities

Patient care responsibilities are thorough, requiring fellows to manage all aspects of post-operative care, including orders, prescriptions, and discharge summaries. A collaborative model allows fellows to share responsibilities with residents while ensuring comprehensive patient management 1.

Call Schedule and Vacation Policy

Each fellow is required to take call during the year; however, this schedule is designed not to interfere with scheduled vacation, academic meetings, or sick leave. Fellows share emergency responsibilities related to foot and ankle trauma but are generally supported by residents in emergency departments 1. Vacation allotment is four weeks per year, with specific guidelines ensuring adequate coverage and patient care during absences.

Performance Feedback

Continuous performance feedback is a key feature of the fellowship, with formal evaluations occurring at the end of each quarter. This dynamic helps fellows receive timely guidance on their progress, allowing for adjustments to enhance their learning experience 1.

Application Process

Applicants to the MedStar Health—Union Memorial Hospital Foot and Ankle Fellowship should submit their applications through the AOFAS website, which also manages interview processes typically scheduled from December to March. Specific requirements regarding eligibility, such as prior training and experience, may apply, but the program aims to be inclusive and supportive of diverse candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds 2.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program offers visa sponsorship opportunities, traditionally supporting J-1 and H-1B visa types to accommodate international medical graduates who wish to train in the United States. This fosters a diverse learning environment where fellows from varied backgrounds bring unique perspectives to the program 2.

Conclusion

The fellowship culminates in a well-rounded education that equips fellows with the necessary skills for a successful career in foot and ankle orthopaedics, thanks to its comprehensive curriculum, collaborative research opportunities, and a supportive educational environment.