Rutgers Health/Monmouth Medical Center Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency program at Monmouth Medical Center, part of Rutgers Health, stands out as New Jersey’s oldest orthopaedic residency program, having been established in 1945. The program provides a robust academic and clinical training environment, guided by a team of over 30 experienced orthopaedic surgeons. Residents are immersed in clinical practice from early in their training, participating in a departmental research program that keeps them at the forefront of orthopaedic advancements and techniques. This comprehensive approach equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge for either entering into practice or pursuing further fellowship training upon completion of the rigorous five-year program 1.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency is designed to be progressive, offering residents increasing responsibilities as they advance through their training years. The small cohort size facilitates a tailored educational experience, and the teaching faculty are dedicated to providing appropriate supervision and individualized support. The program has structured the preliminary year (PGY-1) to include essential exposure to general surgery and internal medicine, setting a solid foundation for orthopaedics. Flexibility in this first year allows for customized experiences based on individual resident needs 2.

Following the PGY-1 year, the curriculum continues to build a robust orthopaedic skill set:

• PGY-2: Residents begin actively managing orthopaedic patients, gaining invaluable skills in patient evaluation and care under the supervision of more senior residents.
• PGY-3: The focus shifts toward acute orthopaedic emergencies, with significant involvement in trauma management and collaborative case evaluations in a supervised capacity.
• PGY-4: Residents take on supervisory roles, especially in pediatric orthopaedics, while also exploring specialties such as orthopaedic oncology through required electives.
• PGY-5: As the Chief Resident, responsibility for overseeing the residency program falls upon the fifth year resident, including administrative duties and extensive surgical experience managing complex cases.

This structured yet flexible curriculum ensures that residents gain a thorough understanding of both operative and non-operative treatments in orthopaedics 2.

Training Sites

Monmouth Medical Center provides a range of clinical training settings, allowing residents to experience diverse patient populations and clinical cases. In addition to the primary hospital, trainees frequently rotate through affiliated sites, including Morristown Memorial Hospital, known for its specialty as a Level II Trauma Center. Here, residents engage in trauma rotations that are critical for developing skills in acute care and emergency procedures 2.

Research Opportunities

An integral aspect of the residency is the emphasis on research, with residents encouraged to participate in various projects that contribute to the advancement of orthopaedic knowledge. This active engagement in research not only enhances the learning experience but helps residents stay updated with the latest practices and innovations in the field 1.

Application Process

The application process for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency demands that candidates fulfill specific requirements. The program offers only two categorical positions. Prospective applicants must submit their applications through ERAS, as applications outside this system are not accepted. While there is no explicitly published minimum score requirement, applicants are encouraged to present strong academic credentials, with the understanding that competition is determined by the overall applicant pool.

Key application requirements include:

• Graduation from medical school no earlier than 2010.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• USMLE scores.
• A personal statement and medical school transcript.

The application deadline is set for November 1, and externships are not offered 4.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency program is highly competitive, attracting a diligent pool of applicants. Notably, the program is committed to inclusivity, welcoming a diverse array of candidates, including DOs and IMGs, thus fostering a comprehensive training environment.

As for international applicants, the program provides visa support, particularly for J-1 or H-1B visa sponsorships, ensuring that international medical graduates have access to opportunities within the residency scope 4.

Recent Graduates

Graduates of the program have gained admission to prestigious fellowships across various orthopaedic subspecialties, demonstrating the effectiveness of the training received at Monmouth Medical Center. Previous fellowship placements include institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania, showcasing the program’s strong reputation in preparing residents for advanced training 5.