Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is established as a one-year, ACGME-approved program designed to provide advanced training in foot and ankle orthopaedics. Each year, the program admits a single fellow, thereby ensuring a focused and individualized training experience.

The fellowship emphasizes the enhancement of the fellow's operative experience while simultaneously offering mentorship, robust research opportunities, and educational development. The clinical practice encompasses a diverse array of cases ranging from collegiate athletic injuries and lower extremity trauma to complex reconstructive surgeries. This includes total ankle replacement, flat-foot reconstruction, correction of complex deformities, and charcot reconstruction, which are integral components of the training process.

Fellows are expected to gain experience in advanced surgical techniques including multiplanar external fixation and multiple total ankle replacement systems. The program also covers modern cartilage repair techniques, providing fellows with exposure to current trends and innovations in foot and ankle surgery 1.

Research Opportunities

The foot and ankle division at the medical center is heavily engaged in research, with numerous podium presentations at the annual AOFAS meeting. The program’s fellows have the opportunity to participate in various stages of research, from basic science studies exploring tendon healing using rodent models to clinical outcomes research. Research collaborations with Penn State's Department of Engineering also provide exposure to biomechanics projects, enhancing the multidisciplinary nature of the fellowship 1.

Fellows are required to engage in a range of academic activities including conducting a foot and ankle journal club, delivering educational lectures to other residents, presenting findings at grand rounds, and participating in departmental conferences. The expectation is that each fellow will produce a minimum of two scholarly projects suitable for publication over the course of the fellowship year.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship offers a balanced educational experience through interaction with three dedicated foot and ankle attending physicians. This exposure allows fellows the flexibility to also participate in trauma and pediatric surgical cases if they express interest in broadening their training. The diverse clinical settings ensure that the fellow is well-prepared for independent practice upon completion of the program 1.

Application and Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship, candidates must be board-eligible in orthopaedic surgery. Applicants must have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited residency program in orthopaedic surgery, either for MD or DO candidates. Applications must be submitted through the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) website, allowing for streamlined consideration among applicants 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program supports visa applications, typically sponsoring J-1 visas for international medical graduates. This makes the program accessible to a wider pool of applicants, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and graduates of osteopathic medical schools. The fellowship is regarded as highly competitive; thus, a robust academic and clinical background in orthopaedic surgery is essential for prospective fellows. The program fosters an inclusive environment, welcoming diverse candidates 1.

Wellness and Support Services

Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health prioritize wellness among residents and fellows, recognizing its significance in producing compassionate physicians. A range of resources is available, including mental health support, wellness programs, and a network aimed at helping fellows transition smoothly into the community.1.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

The program promotes an inclusive culture through its Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, offering various initiatives and support networks aimed at fostering a respectful and welcoming environment for all trainees. This includes mentorship opportunities, community involvement, and professional networking, particularly for underrepresented minorities in medicine 1.