Ohio State University Hospital Program

Orthopaedic Residency Program Overview

The Orthopaedic Residency Program at The Ohio State University is dedicated to producing competent and independent orthopaedic specialists. The program incorporates a comprehensive educational mission focusing on basic sciences, clinical care, and professional traits essential for success in the field. Mentoring and a diverse educational environment are core pillars, supporting residents throughout their training journey 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency spans five years, starting with a preliminary year (PGY-1) primarily focused on general surgery, followed by four years concentrating on various orthopaedic subspecialties. Key subspecialties include foot and ankle surgery, hand surgery, general orthopaedics, joint reconstruction, musculoskeletal oncology, orthopaedic trauma, pediatric orthopaedics, spine surgery, and sports medicine 2.

PGY-1 Year Rotations:
Residents will participate in multiple rotations to develop general surgical skills, rotating through areas like Adult Orthopaedics, Hand Surgery, Spine Surgery, Pediatric Orthopaedics, and Acute Care Surgery among others.

PGY-2 Year Rotations:
The focus shifts to understanding a wider array of musculoskeletal conditions through rotations in Orthopaedic Trauma, Adult Reconstruction, and Sports Medicine.

PGY-3 Year: Residents split time between Ohio State and Nationwide Children's Hospital, enhancing surgical skills with hands-on experience.

PGY-4 Year:
A deeper dive into responsibilities with a focus on surgical independence in areas such as Trauma, Adult Reconstruction, and Spine.

PGY-5 Year: Residents operate as chief residents, managing junior residents and partaking in advanced clinical responsibilities and surgical techniques 4.

Conferences and Educational Activities

The residency fosters a dynamic learning environment through regular conferences, including Grand Rounds, Teaching Conferences, Anatomy Conferences, Basic Science Conferences, and Journal Clubs. These provide an avenue for residents to engage critically with contemporary literature while enhancing their clinical acumen and research skills. An annual conference specifically dedicated to morbidity and mortality highlighting real-life clinical cases is also included as part of the residency's education offerings 3.

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant part of the residency program, with all residents required to complete a clinical or laboratory research project. Compiling findings into a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal prior to graduation is a necessity. Faculty support includes access to research design resources and mentorship from experienced researchers 3.

Application Process and Requirements

The Orthopaedic Residency Program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), accepting applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) only. Eligible applicants include graduates from accredited medical schools from the U.S., Canada, and international schools recognized by ECFMG. A critical requirement includes successful completion of the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 examinations 2.

Visa Sponsorship:
The program supports J-1 Visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. Applicants on F-1 visas or currently in a GME program may also apply for the H-1B Visa 2.

Salaries and Benefits

The residency offers competitive salaries reflecting the level of education and responsibility, beginning with $66,439 for PGY-1 and reaching $75,757 for PGY-5. Benefits include three weeks of paid vacation and one week for professional leave to attend conferences, along with reimbursement for attendance at select educational activities 4.

Program Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

The program is characterized as highly competitive, with a considerable number of applicants vying for limited positions. However, the environment is notably welcoming toward DO and IMG applicants, emphasizing inclusivity. The collaborative culture among residents fosters a supportive atmosphere conducive to professional development 5.

Conclusion

With a robust curriculum, a rich variety of clinical experiences, and a strong emphasis on research and mentorship, the Orthopaedic Residency Program at The Ohio State University prepares residents for successful careers in orthopaedic surgery.