National Capital Consortium Program

The National Capital Consortium Program in Surgery provides a comprehensive and rigorous training experience for residents pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. This program, located at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, is part of the Military Health System and focuses on developing skilled, knowledgeable, and competent surgeons.

Program Structure

The program spans six years and requires the completion of a medical degree and, if applicable, a prior internship to start at the PGY-2 level with approval. It has an approved resident complement of 30, with six positions designated per year (three Army, three Navy). A key feature of the program is the dedicated research year required between the clinical PGY-3 and PGY-4 years, allowing residents to engage in scholarly activity.

Additionally, the residency offers clinical rotations that encompass both orthopaedic and non-orthopaedic specialties. The first year consists of six months of orthopaedic rotations and six months of other specialties, followed by primarily orthopaedic rotations in subsequent years where residents will refine their surgical skills and take on leadership roles.

Curriculum and Training

The residency curriculum includes morning reports, hand conferences, and journal clubs that facilitate case presentations and discussions about orthopaedic literature. Academics occur weekly, covering essential topics and providing hands-on training in various techniques. In addition, residents have opportunities to attend various external courses that enhance their learning and clinical skills.

The curriculum is designed to foster clinical excellence, supported by regular quality improvement conferences and active encouragement of residents to participate in research and publish their findings.

Unique Aspects

Residents benefit from a unique military curriculum unavailable in civilian programs, including instruction in combat casualty care and the military medical evacuation system. This experience is critical as it prepares residents to handle complex trauma cases and polytrauma patients effectively.

Additionally, residents have the opportunity to engage in leadership roles and contribute to committees within the institution, enhancing their professional development during training.

Training Sites

The training sites for the residency include not only Walter Reed National Military Medical Center but also other prominent facilities such as the United States Naval Academy, Fort Belvoir, and various hospitals in the Washington, D.C. area. This diverse training environment offers residents exposure to a wide range of cases and patient populations, enriching their learning experiences.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. medical graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The typical application requires a strong academic background, and some special requirements may be in place regarding prior failures on Step exams or year of medical school graduation. All applicants must demonstrate readiness for the rigorous training involved in military medicine.

Support for International Applicants

The National Capital Consortium Program in Surgery provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, facilitating entry into the United States for those selected for residency. This support includes the necessary documentation for appropriate visa types necessary for residency training.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Research is a cornerstone of the program, with a mandatory research year designed to foster scholarly achievement. Residents may participate in established research tracks or develop their own projects, contributing to advancements in the field and preparing them for future opportunities in academic medicine.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program offers residents a rich mentorship environment with a diverse faculty of board-certified surgeons trained in various orthopaedic subspecialties. Residents are encouraged to develop mentorship relationships with attending surgeons, further enhancing their educational experience and professional growth.

Well-Being Initiatives

In recognition of the demanding nature of residency training, the program emphasizes well-being through structured wellness activities, including team sports and recreational outings. These initiatives are designed to maintain the physical and emotional health of residents throughout their training journey.