Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Orthopaedic Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a comprehensive five-year program, fully accredited by the ACGME, designed to equip residents with the skills and knowledge required to excel in orthopaedic surgery. The program accepts five residents annually, fostering a collaborative learning environment in a modern facility offering over 625 beds and a full spectrum of medical services.

Program Structure

The residency provides a diverse clinical exposure through eight key clinical services, each supported by fellowship-trained faculty. The paired resident model—comprising both junior and senior residents—promotes mentorship and peer interaction while ensuring high-quality teaching.

Residents participate in various clinical rotations, which include emergency consultations and inpatient services, thereby gaining firsthand experience in tackling contemporary orthopaedic challenges. Outpatient services are primarily conducted at the Penn State Bone and Joint Institute, collaborating with specialists in rheumatology, radiology, and physical therapy, among others.

Curriculum and Didactics

The residency curriculum is designed to meet the educational requirements set by The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). The first year includes a structured education with rotations in numerous medical specialties, ensuring a solid foundation in both surgical and non-surgical disciplines.

The following years (PGY-2 to PGY-5) consist of rotation schedules that comprehensively cover adult orthopaedics, trauma, pediatric orthopaedics, and other subspecialties. Each rotation lasts approximately three months and is equipped with morning conferences aimed at enhancing knowledge through presentations and interactive discussions.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the residency program, with residents encouraged to engage in investigative projects. Access to the Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory provides an interdisciplinary approach to studying various musculoskeletal disorders, allowing residents to participate in projects that evaluate both in vivo and in vitro techniques supported by advanced biomechanical equipment.

Application Process

The program is known for its competitive nature, receiving over 900 applications each year. Applications must be completed via the ERAS platform and must include USMLE scores, a personal statement, a medical school transcript, a dean's letter, and three letters of recommendation—at least one should be from an orthopaedic physician who can assess the applicant’s potential.

Visa Support and Requirements

For international medical graduates, the program offers visa sponsorship, typically for J-1 and H-1B visa types, which facilitates participation in the residency for non-U.S. citizens looking to gain training in an American medical system.

Diversity and Wellness Initiatives

Committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, the program actively engages in initiatives that support underrepresented residents and fellows through various networking and mentorship opportunities. Concurrently, wellness programs are in place to support residents' mental, emotional, and physical health throughout the training process.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

As a highly competitive program, applicants are expected to have excellent academic credentials, and the program typically considers candidates who have graduated from medical school no more than five years prior to their application. Maximum allowances are in place for failed STEP exams, emphasizing the program's preference for applicants who demonstrate resilience and improvement in their academic and professional journeys.