Ohio State University Hospital Program

The Orthopaedic Residency Program at The Ohio State University is committed to the education of residents, preparing them to become well-qualified, independent specialists in orthopaedics. The program emphasizes a comprehensive training approach combining basic science and clinical care to instill critical qualities such as honesty, integrity, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility in residents. It promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, believing that varied perspectives enhance the care of patients and the educational experience for residents.

Excellence in patient care, research, and education is the overarching objective within the Department of Orthopaedics at The Ohio State University. The residency program facilitates a developmental process, focusing on knowledge acquisition and intellectual growth, while also preparing residents for lifelong learning. Residents are exposed to various orthopaedic specialties throughout their training, ensuring they gain a holistic understanding of the field.

Curriculum and Rotations

The five-year categorical orthopaedic residency encompasses a year primarily dedicated to rotations in general surgery, followed by four years concentrating on all subspecialty areas of orthopaedics. The curriculum includes diverse areas such as foot and ankle surgery, hand surgery, joint reconstruction, musculoskeletal oncology, orthopaedic trauma, pediatric orthopaedics, spine surgery, and sports medicine. In the first year (PGY1), residents are introduced to surgical decision-making processes through various rotations, allowing them to develop technical skills and emphasize patient care.

This structured approach continues into the subsequent years, with PGY2 focusing on comprehensive musculoskeletal disease states, while PGY3 is split between 6-month rotations at Ohio State University Hospital and Nationwide Children's Hospital, enhancing both surgical knowledge and skills. The final years, PGY4 and PGY5, center on refining these skills, providing increasing responsibilities, and preparing residents for independent practice.

Conferences and Research

Residents are required to engage in various conferences and research activities throughout their training. Conference formats include institutional events and service-specific discussions, offering a structured environment for learning and collaboration. Grand Rounds occur monthly, covering morbidity and mortality, visiting professor presentations, and pediatric orthopaedics discussions.

Research is a critical component of the residency, with all residents required to undertake a clinical or laboratory research project. This includes a formal presentation at the Mallory-Coleman Orthopaedic Research Day and submission of a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal before completing the program, ensuring involvement in academic pursuits alongside clinical training.

Program Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The residency program maintains a competitive profile, selecting candidates based on academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities. Applications are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and participants must possess a valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) if they are international medical graduates. All applicants must complete USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 (CK & CS) before the residency begins.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates through J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorship. Applicants on a J-1 visa must meet the eligibility requirements via the ECFMG Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program. H-1B visa applicants must either be current medical students at an LCME/AOA accredited U.S. medical school or trainees in another GME program holding an H-1B visa.

Salaries and Benefits

Residents in the Orthopaedic Residency Program receive competitive salaries, which for the 2024-2025 year range from $66,439 for PGY1 to $77,757 for PGY5. Benefits include three weeks of paid vacation, one week of professional leave for attending conferences, and limited funding for conference attendance, enhancing the educational experience.

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Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the hallmarks of the program is its commitment to fostering strong mentorship relationships between residents and faculty. Each resident is assigned a faculty mentor to guide their professional development through regular check-ins. Furthermore, the program emphasizes a supportive community, allowing residents to form strong ties with peers and faculty alike. This environment cultivates personal and professional growth, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in orthopaedics.

Overall, the program’s location in Columbus, Ohio, offers an affordable living experience while being situated in a vibrant city with diverse cultural opportunities, further enhancing the residency experience.