Orlando Health Program

The Hand & Upper Extremity Fellowship at Orlando Health focuses on educating and training professionals in the realm of hand and upper extremity surgery. This fellowship aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to operate autonomously as proficient hand surgeons.

Program Overview

The fellowship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and lasts for a duration of one year, running from August 1 to July 31. The program offers two fellowship positions each year. It is located at the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, known for its high volume of surgical cases and educational opportunities that are focused on hands-on experiences in a mentorship-driven environment.

Fellows are provided with the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of complex cases, encompassing both traumatic and elective surgeries, including congenital abnormalities and brachial plexus injuries.

Curriculum and Training

Fellows participate in organized monthly rotations across several institutions affiliated with Orlando Health, including the Orlando Health - Orlando Regional Medical Center and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. These rotations allow fellows to experience diverse surgical techniques and cases in a collaborative environment, enhancing their learning and expertise.

Specialized training includes arthroscopic techniques for peripheral nerve compression syndromes, shoulder surgery covering elective and traumatic injuries, and comprehensive microsurgical training. The program provides funding for fellows to attend a microsurgical training course prior to their fellowship, ensuring they possess essential microsurgical skills before starting surgical duties.

Didactic Learning

Instructional sessions are a critical component of the educational experience, including weekly preoperative and postoperative conferences, morbidity and mortality rounds, journal clubs, and guest lectures. Research is also integral to the program, with fellows expected to complete a research project suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Fellow Wellness

Recognizing the demands of surgical training, the program has developed a strong wellness initiative aimed at promoting the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of fellows. This initiative includes access to a wellness counselor and structured team-building events throughout the year, ensuring that participants foster a healthy work-life balance.

Visa Support

Orlando Health is supportive of international applicants and provides visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa categories. This is accommodating for applicants who require work authorization to participate in the fellowship.

Competitive Nature and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive, particularly for slots offered in Orlando. Eligible candidates must be US citizens or possess lawful permanent resident status, and must have completed or be undergoing training in an ACGME-accredited residency program in orthopaedic or plastic surgery. The application process mandates submitting a universal online application, a CV, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.

There are no specific graduation year restrictions or limits on failed STEP exams mentioned, which may appeal to candidates with varied backgrounds.

Fellow Benefits

Fellows at Orlando Health benefit from a comprehensive package that includes:

• A salary of $73,900 annually with paid fees and travel for research accepted at national conferences.
• A $3,000 educational stipend for resources such as loupes and conference attendance.
• Three weeks of vacation, free meals during weekdays, and free secured parking.
• Health insurance coverage, dental options, and life insurance plans.

Aside from the academic and academic offerings, Orlando Health offers a vibrant living environment within the city of Orlando, providing a range of social, cultural, and recreational opportunities that enhance the fellowship experience.