Orlando Health Program

The Orlando Health Orthopedic Residency Program is designed to provide residents with a comprehensive and hands-on experience in orthopedic surgery, fostering both academic and practical skills necessary for their future careers

Program Overview

The residency encompasses five years of rigorous training, where each resident averages more than 2500 cases throughout the program. The training is structured around a hybrid model that combines academic teaching and private practice experience. This allows residents to engage in a high volume of surgical cases early in their training and work alongside recognized faculty members committed to education and mentorship 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is tailored to build foundational orthopedic knowledge through various rotations across different subspecialties. Residents are required to participate in core rotations, including sports medicine, spine surgery, trauma, and hand surgery. The first year emphasizes foundational skills with a mix of orthopedic and off-service rotations that promote a well-rounded clinical experience 1. Daily morning conferences and regular academic discussions support active learning and allow residents to stay current with emerging orthopedic practices.

Rotations and Training Sites

The primary training sites include the Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), Central Florida’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and the newly established Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. The first-of-its-kind in Florida, the Jewett Institute features advanced facilities designed to provide specialized orthopedic care and education, further enhancing the residency experience 1.

Call Responsibilities

Residents have structured call rotations, with expectations increasing through the years. Initial call responsibilities involve partnering with more senior residents to ensure controlled and guided learning experiences 4.

Research Opportunities

Research is highly encouraged and each PGY-3 and PGY-4 resident is allotted six weeks dedicated to research, with additional opportunities available during elective rotations. Residents are expected to complete at least one scholarly project in accordance with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) standards 4. The program has a strong track record of residents participating in and presenting their research at national conferences, further contributing to academic achievement.

Application Requirements

The program has competitive entrance criteria. Applicants must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and register with the National Resident Match Program (NRMP). While there is no supplemental application, candidates are required to include an essay stating their motivation for joining the Orlando Health residency program 5. A passing score on the USMLE, with all steps completed before the residency begins, is mandatory 4.

Special consideration is given to osteopathic students who can submit COMLEX scores in addition to USMLE scores. Applications must be completed by the specified application deadline, which is November 1, though early submissions are favored 6.

Visa Support and Obtaining Residency

Orlando Health does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants are required to be United States citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a green card to be considered for the residency program 5.

Competitiveness

The orthopedic residency program is competitive and attracts candidates with strong academic records and clinical experiences. The program particularly values the diverse backgrounds of applicants, including those from DO and international medical backgrounds. The selection process aims to identify residents who exhibit a commitment to the orthopedic field and the holistic care of patients 4.

Residency Life

Residents at Orlando Health participate in a supportive community characterized by camaraderie and teamwork. The program organizes various social events that foster relationships among residents and faculty, including sports activities and retreats. Such events help to maintain a healthy work-life balance within the challenging demands of residency training 7.

Through interactions with a variety of specialists and mentors, residents are prepared to emerge not only as successful orthopedic surgeons but also as leaders in their field.