Southern Illinois University Program

The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine offers an Orthopedic Adult Reconstruction Fellowship, which is a one-year program from August 1 to July 31. This fellowship focuses primarily on primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty, while also providing opportunities in shoulder arthroplasty and a variety of fracture cases. The program is designed around a mentorship model, ensuring that fellows gain hands-on experience in all phases of patient care, from pre-operative evaluations to post-operative recovery and follow-up.

The training sites for the fellowship include several prominent local institutions: Springfield Memorial Hospital, HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Springfield Clinic, and the Orthopedic Center of Illinois. By engaging with these various sites, fellows are exposed to a comprehensive range of adult reconstructive cases, from straightforward primary surgeries to more complex revisions that may involve challenging scenarios such as infection, fracture, or massive bone loss.

Curriculum and Responsibilities

The curriculum emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing fellows with a comprehensive array of surgical experiences. Fellows can expect to complete approximately 200 primary total knee arthroplasties (TKA), 100 revision TKAs, 200 total hip arthroplasties (THA), and numerous knee and hip arthroscopies during their training. The program also includes exposure to outpatient total joint cases, tumor cases, and opportunities for additional training in shoulder arthroplasty.

Fellows participate in weekly conferences that promote further educational development, including journal clubs and case discussions. Additionally, there is a requirement to present one Grand Rounds lecture on a topic of personal interest related to reconstruction. A manuscript is also required for graduation, ensuring that fellows engage in scholarly activity throughout the year.

Research and Support

Fellows are encouraged to partake in clinical research, with support available from the university. Funding for attendance at national meetings such as those held by the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is also provided, along with financial assistance for additional training courses and educational materials, including books.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply, candidates must complete an ACGME or ACGME-I accredited orthopedic surgery residency and hold board eligibility or certification in orthopedic surgery. They are required to submit their USMLE or COMLEX scores, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. A notable aspect of this program is that SIU does not sponsor residents or fellows for H visas or benefits, making applicants accountable for their visa status before applying for the fellowship.

Additionally, there are no specific limitations regarding years since graduation from medical school, which can be favorable for diverse candidates, including those who may have taken time off for additional experiences. The program aims to foster inclusivity, being friendly towards DOs and IMGs, thus encouraging a range of backgrounds among applicants.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is considered highly competitive due to the program's strong focus on technical skill development, mentorship, and the extensive surgical experience that candidates are able to achieve. The robust case volume and varied surgical encounters enable fellows to develop confidence and competence in adult reconstruction from the very first day of their training.

Living and Working in Springfield

Springfield offers a supportive hospital environment for fellows, with on-site parking and meal availability in both hospitals where training occurs. The community is welcoming, and although it is a smaller city, it provides ample opportunities for professional growth and personal development outside of the rigorous academic schedule.