Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health Program
Location:
Providence, RISpecialty:
Orthopaedic surgeryACGME Code:
2604311162NRMP Program Code:
1677260C0Orthopaedic Residency Program Overview
The Orthopaedic Residency Program at Brown University aims to develop the next generation of leaders in orthopaedic practice through a comprehensive, multi-faceted training approach. Established in 1938, the program is one of the oldest orthopaedic residencies in the United States and is associated with prestigious training sites such as Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, and the Providence Veterans Affairs Hospital. The residency consists of a five-year program with typically six residents per year, including an additional year as a junior attending through a Trauma Fellowship. This structure delivers unparalleled exposure to orthopedic care and surgical experience.
1Training Sites
The residency program features a variety of training sites, critical to providing a well-rounded educational experience. The main hospitals involved include:
- Rhode Island Hospital: The state's largest hospital and a Level 1 trauma center offering comprehensive orthopaedic care.
- Hasbro Children's Hospital: Provides specialized pediatric orthopaedic care.
- The Miriam Hospital: Houses the Total Joint Center, performing a significant volume of joint arthroplasty surgeries.
- Providence VA Medical Center: Offers care for veterans, allowing residents to gain valuable experience in a unique patient population.
- Kettle Point - East Bay Surgical Center: Provides additional outpatient surgical experience across various orthopedic procedures.
Curriculum and Rotations
The curriculum is structured into clinical rotations across all orthopaedic subspecialties. The PGY-1 to PGY-5 clinical rotations emphasize graduated autonomy and extensive operative experience. Notably, residents receive exposure to subspecialties including:
- Pediatrics
- Pain Management
- Hand Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Adult Reconstruction
Additional features include a resident-run clinic where they manage patients longitudinally, thus promoting continuity of care and procedural skills development.
3Research Opportunities
The program is dedicated to advancing the field of orthopaedics through research. Residents are allotted four months of protected research time and have access to a well-funded orthopedic research laboratory. Opportunities exist across various research domains including ligament reconstruction, 3D modeling, and biomechanics, ensuring residents can engage in meaningful research projects throughout their training.
1International Experience
The Silver Fellowship is a distinctive opportunity allowing residents and fellows to provide osteopathic care in resource-limited settings. This fellowship enables participants to share their knowledge and skills with local healthcare providers during a travel experience to various countries known for developing orthopaedic services.
8Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The program follows a highly competitive selection process, welcoming various applicants, including graduates from DO and IMG backgrounds. Special attention is paid to applicants' USMLE Step scores, and while there is no strict cutoff for failed Step exams, prospective residents should aim for strong performance. Essential application components include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a medical student performance evaluation.
10Salary and Benefits
The residency program offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including health coverage, educational stipends, and gym memberships. The projected salary for the 2024–2025 year ranges from approximately $69,750 for PGY-1 to $83,272 for PGY-5 residents. Additionally, there are provisions for meals during on-call hours and dedicated call rooms equipped for residents' use.
9Life in Providence
Providence, Rhode Island, provides a vibrant and welcoming environment. The city is rich in cultural experiences, culinary diversity, and offers ample opportunities for recreation. Residents will find a city alive with art, theater, and activities to immerse themselves in during their residency, complementing their intense training.
11Visa Support
The program provides a supportive framework for international applicants, including visa sponsorship through H-1B and J-1 visas. This support enables a diverse range of candidates to apply and complete their residency in orthopaedics at Brown University.
10Website
Director
Raymond Y Hsu, MDProgram Director, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics, Foot and Ankle Division Appointed Since January 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$69,750First Year Paid Vacation:
21 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
30 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
100%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.9XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
247Visa Sponsorship:
J1YOG Cutoff:
2Location
Providence, RI
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Providence, RI
- Crime rate and safety: Providence is generally a safe city, but it does have some areas with higher crime rates. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Fun activities: There are many exciting things to do in Providence, such as visiting WaterFire events, exploring Waterplace Park, enjoying the culinary scene on Federal Hill, and visiting the RISD Museum.
- Climate: Providence has a humid subtropical climate with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for snowfall in the winter months.
- Races and population: Providence is a diverse city with a mix of ethnicities and races. The population is around 180,000 people.
- Education: Providence is home to several prestigious universities, including Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Providence is slightly higher than the national average, especially for housing. However, it may be more affordable compared to some other major cities.
- Proximity to bigger cities: Boston, MA is approximately 50 miles away from Providence, which is about a 1-hour drive. Boston offers a vibrant city life with numerous cultural attractions, restaurants, and historical sites.
- Pros: Diverse population, cultural attractions, close to Boston, prestigious universities.
- Cons: Some areas with higher crime rates, higher cost of living compared to some other locations.
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