Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program

Overview of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School provides a robust five-year training designed to develop competent, ethical orthopaedic surgeons. It is a rigorous, ACGME-approved program that accepts three residents annually, focusing on the clinical knowledge and surgical techniques essential for both academic and community-oriented practices. The mission reflects a commitment to high-quality education while addressing a diverse array of surgical cases, enabling residents to make significant contributions to the field.

Clinical training is facilitated through direct one-on-one instruction in operating rooms, emphasizing the importance of independent decision-making and operative skill development. The program leverages multiple teaching hospitals including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Robert Wood Johnson Somerset, St. Peter's University Hospital, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for a comprehensive rotation experience across various orthopaedic subspecialties.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum consists of extensive clinical training encompassing all subspecialties of orthopaedic surgery. Residents follow a structured schedule incorporating didactic teaching through weekly grand rounds, fracture conferences, and specialized lectures. Monthly interactive arthroscopy labs and cadaver anatomy sessions further solidify this education.

Clinical Rotations

The residency includes diverse clinical rotations which are key components of the training:

• Trauma Service: Residents gain experience in managing urgent and emergent traumatic cases at a Level-1 trauma center.
• Pediatric Orthopaedics: Residents participate in the surgical care for pediatric patients, with rotations focusing on neuromuscular surgeries and trauma.
• Hand and Upper Extremity: This involves both operative and non-operative management of hand disorders.
• Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Senior residents provide care for college athletes from Rutgers and Princeton, involving preventive and game-time care.
• Spine Surgery: Residents assist in elective and emergent spinal surgeries, sharing call with the Neurosurgery department.
• Adult Reconstruction: Focuses on primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasties.
• Oncology: A four-week rotation at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center allows residents to learn from leaders in musculoskeletal oncology.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral aspect of residency, with each resident required to complete at least one publishable research project throughout their training. Facilities and resources are available to support both clinical and basic science research initiatives. Residents are granted dedicated research time and must present research updates quarterly during department meetings.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program stands out due to its faculty involvement, with over 40 dedicated orthopaedic surgeons directly participating in the education of residents. The blend of university faculty and private practice surgeons enhances the training experience, enabling residents to gain a broad perspective on both academic excellence and clinical practices.

Moreover, the program encourages engagement in various educational conferences that cover a range of topics across orthopaedic surgery, aiding residents in developing a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Application Requirements

The application process for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program requires applicants to use the ERAS system. Primary requirements include:

• USMLE scores
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation
• A personal statement and a Dean's letter
• Medical school transcripts (submitted through ERAS)

Incomplete applications will not be considered, and candidates will be notified of interviews via email.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is welcoming to both DO graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), showcasing a commitment to diversity in its residents. Furthermore, the program provides visa sponsorship for J-1 visas as it actively supports foreign medical graduates in the application process, further promoting an inclusive residency environment.

Benefits and Salary

The salary and benefits offered during the residency are competitive and align with those at other graduate medical education programs operated by the medical school. This includes comprehensive health coverage, paid time off for education purposes, and provisions for professional development.