Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School Program

The Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School Program in Musculoskeletal Oncology provides a comprehensive and rigorous training environment for residents in orthopaedic surgery. This five-year residency program emphasizes a balanced approach, combining clinical knowledge, surgical skills, and research opportunities essential for developing competent orthopaedic surgeons.

The program encompasses diverse training sites that expose residents to a wide range of conditions and surgical techniques. Each facility is equipped to provide hands-on experience with a variety of patient populations, thus preparing residents for a breadth of practice settings.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum includes a series of structured rotations. Each resident undergoes 2-month rotations in various specialties, six times a year, within their residency. The curriculum ensures exposure to core areas, with clinical rotations spread across the five years:

• PGY-1: General Trauma, Radiology, Orthopaedic Surgical Skills, Anesthesia, Plastics, Pediatrics, Community Orthopaedics, and Orthopaedic Trauma.
• PGY-2: Orthopaedic Oncology, Orthopaedic Trauma, Hand surgery, and Community Orthopaedics.
• PGY-3: Orthopaedic Trauma, Research, Foot & Ankle, Joints/Sports, and Community Orthopaedics.
• PGY-4: Community Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Oncology, Joints/Sports, Spine, and Pediatrics.
• PGY-5: Community Orthopaedics, Hand surgery, Electives, and Adult Joint/Hip Reconstruction.

The training incorporates a robust schedule of educational sessions, including journal clubs, case discussions, and academic conferences. Dedicated three-hour educational sessions are held every Thursday morning, supplementing the rotations with foundational knowledge.

Educational Experience

Alongside clinical training, residents participate in various training conferences and national courses such as the AO Basic Course and Miller Review Course. Weekly small group discussions further reinforce the academic aspects of the rotations, enhancing clinical judgment and decision-making skills.4

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research throughout their training period. The research facilities at Rutgers offer a collaborative environment for exploring clinical and basic science inquiries related to orthopaedics. The program promotes participation in ongoing projects and provides mentorship for developing independent research initiatives.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is supportive of international applicants and offers sponsorship for non-immigrant work visas. This means that eligible candidates can be considered for H-1B or J-1 visa sponsorship based on their qualifications and program requirements.

Application Requirements

Prospective applicants must adhere to the specific admission guidelines. Commonly, applicants should have completed their medical education within a set timeframe, and there may be restrictions on the maximum number of unsuccessful attempts on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Flexibility may exist for DO and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) depending on the overall competitiveness of the applicant pool.

Competitiveness and Selection

The program's competitive edge stems from its comprehensive training experiences and diverse clinical exposure. While the program maintains a high selection standard, it is also known to be friendly to applicants from DO and IMG backgrounds. Commitment to training humane and competent surgeons is a cornerstone of the program's philosophy.1

Additional Information

In response to evolving educational needs, the program has introduced innovative approaches such as virtual lecture series and engagement in community outreach efforts. These initiatives aim to enhance the educational experience and broaden surgical knowledge among residents and medical students nationwide.10

Residents also enjoy a supportive environment, with faculty committed to continuous education and professional development. The collaborative nature of the faculty fosters an enriching atmosphere for learning, research, and patient care.