Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Orthopaedic Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a distinguished five-year, ACGME-accredited program, accepting five residents annually. This program offers an extensive educational experience in orthopaedic surgery, providing residents with comprehensive training across various subspecialties.

Program Overview

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is equipped with over 625 beds and serves a broad patient population in rural central Pennsylvania. This catchment area ranges from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and presents residents with a diverse array of clinical cases from common orthopaedic issues to complex injuries. The medical center is recognized for its Level I trauma center and has helicopter transport units for emergency cases, enhancing the practical learning opportunities available for residents 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program consists of structured rotations, providing residents with exposure to various clinical services. The curriculum is organized to cover all recognized areas of orthopaedic practice, including:

• Adult Orthopaedics
• Fractures and Trauma
• Pediatric Orthopaedics
• Orthopaedic Oncology
• Sports Medicine
• Hand Surgery
• Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Surgery

During the first year (PGY-1), residents will undergo training involving multiple surgical disciplines, including intensive care, trauma management, and various surgical specialties such as vascular surgery and pediatric surgery. Following the first year, the residents will focus on orthopaedic disciplines through PGY-2 to PGY-5, participating in rotations that steadily build their skills and knowledge in specific areas of orthopaedics 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are expected to participate in research activities, providing them with the opportunity to develop critical scientific thinking and engage deeply with the published orthopaedic literature. The Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory offers an interdisciplinary environment, allowing residents to study various aspects of musculoskeletal diseases using advanced research methods and technologies. Research areas include cell and tissue culture, in vivo animal models, and biomechanical studies 1.

Application Process

Due to its reputation, the program is highly competitive, receiving over 900 applications annually. Interested applicants are encouraged to complete their applications early through Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS). The essential application components include:

• USMLE scores
• Three or more letters of recommendation (with at least one from an orthopaedic physician)
• A personal statement
• Medical school transcript
• Dean’s letter

Interviews are conducted in person, where candidates meet clinical faculty, basic science faculty, and current residents. The interview process includes structured interactions and informal discussions with residents and faculty to allow candidates to assess the program culture and environment 1.

Diversity and Wellness

Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion within their residency programs. Various initiatives exist to support the recruitment of diverse medical students, foster mentorship from diverse faculty, and create an inclusive environment for all residents 1. Additionally, wellness programs are a critical component of residency training, promoting emotional, social, and physical health through various resources 1.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, accommodating J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can contribute to the residency 1.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants must meet certain benchmarks, such as a maximum of two failed Step exams, and should have graduated from medical school within a specific timeframe. These requirements ensure that candidates are prepared for the rigors of the residency program while maintaining its competitive standards 1.