Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health) Program

Overview of the Hand Surgery Fellowship Program at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

The Hand Surgery Fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University provides comprehensive training in the field of hand surgery, combining the disciplines of plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and general surgery. The program aims to prepare fellows for independent practice and fosters skills required for advanced surgical techniques and patient management.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The fellowship is structured to ensure that fellows develop expertise in a broad array of hand surgery techniques, including but not limited to, microvascular surgery, traumatic hand injuries, congenital disorders, and reconstructive procedures. The curriculum includes:

• Surgical Rotations: Fellows partake in diverse surgical rotations, allowing them to gain experience across various specialties related to hand surgery, such as orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery.
• Total Surgical Cases: Opportunities to engage in a high volume of surgical cases, promoting technical proficiency and hands-on learning under the supervision of experienced faculty.
• Didactic Sessions: Regularly scheduled educational conferences and lectures that cover the latest advancements in hand surgery, ethics, and patient care practices.
• Research Responsibilities: Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical and basic science research, expanding their knowledge base and contributing to the field's body of knowledge.

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship, with fellows expected to participate actively in ongoing projects or initiate their own. The research focus allows fellows to contribute findings that can impact clinical practice positively. Mentorship from faculty engaged in clinical and translational research is available, enhancing the fellows' learning experience.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship stands out due to its multidisciplinary approach, allowing fellows to learn from various surgical and medical disciplines. In addition, the program emphasizes comprehensive patient care, focusing on long-term recovery and patient quality of life.

Training Sites

Training occurs across various sites affiliated with OHSU, providing fellows with exposure to different patient populations and healthcare environments. These sites include university hospitals where advanced surgical techniques are performed and community hospitals that provide a range of hand surgery cases.

Visa Support and Types

The Hand Surgery Fellowship program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. The program typically supports J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating international medical graduates' participation in the fellowship.

Competitiveness of the Program

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting candidates nationwide due to its expert faculty and residency outcomes. International medical graduates, including those from DO schools, are encouraged to apply, and the program examines each candidate's unique background and experiences.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants should be aware of several requirements, including:

• Year of Graduation: Typically, applicants must have graduated from medical school within a certain time frame.
• Step Exams: There may be limitations on the number of times candidates can retake the USMLE Step exams.
• Clinical Experience: Prior clinical experience in hand surgery or related fields is highly advantageous and often expected.

Conclusion

The Hand Surgery Fellowship at OHSU provides an inclusive and robust training environment, allowing fellows to develop into competent independent practitioners in the specialized field of hand surgery. Through rigorous training, research opportunities, and exposure to various surgical disciplines, graduates emerge well-prepared for future challenges in their careers.