St Luke's University Hospital Program

St. Luke's Orthopedic Surgery Residency is a rigorous five-year training program designed to produce highly skilled orthopedic surgeons and community leaders. The program is meticulously structured to provide comprehensive exposure to all major subspecialties in orthopedic surgery, ensuring residents are well-prepared for both fellowship placements and independent practice.

Curriculum Overview

The residency program spans five years and is primarily conducted within St. Luke's University Health Network. Residents undertake a diverse array of rotations in various orthopedic subspecialties, including trauma, sports medicine, hand surgery, and pediatric orthopedics.

In the first year, residents complete a traditional rotating internship encompassing critical areas such as anesthesia, radiology, general surgery, and trauma surgery. From the second to the fifth years, the training becomes more specialized, with rotations focusing on areas such as joint reconstruction, spine surgery, and orthopedic oncology. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, including participation in cadaveric dissections and anatomical workshops that cover internal and external fixation techniques and joint reconstruction methods 1.

Mentorship and Surgical Exposure

A distinctive feature of the program is its mentorship model, where each resident works closely with an attending physician one-on-one during surgeries and outpatient care. This personalized training approach accelerates skill development and ensures a rich learning environment. Residents are afforded increasing responsibilities, with an emphasis on performing surgeries as their competencies grow. The combined high case volume of over 12,000 annual surgical procedures at St. Luke’s and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offers abundant opportunities for skill honing and exposure to a variety of cases 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is integral to the training at St. Luke's. Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, with a requirement to complete at least one publication during their tenure. A dedicated two-month block is allocated in the PGY-4 year for research projects. The program has ties with Lehigh University, facilitating opportunities in basic science and biomechanical research 3. Furthermore, residents have the chance to present at regional and national conferences, promoting academic growth and collaboration.

Training Sites and Clinical Experience

Residents gain clinical experience across multiple locations, including Bethlehem, Allentown, and other facilities within the St. Luke's network. This exposure across various campuses enhances their clinical acumen and prepares them for diverse healthcare settings. The pediatric orthopedic surgery rotation takes place at the prestigious Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, enriching the scope of their training 4.

Educational Activities

To complement practical training, the program offers a structured educational schema featuring weekly reading curricula, formal clinical lectures, and a variety of conferences including morbidity and mortality, indications, and research sessions. Journal clubs and visiting professorships further cultivate a culture of learning and continuous education among residents 5.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and requires three letters of recommendation, a medical school transcript, a personal statement, and an official USMLE/COMLEX transcript. International medical graduates must provide ECFMG certification. The program is competitive, reflecting a commitment to attracting well-qualified candidates ready for a challenging yet rewarding training experience 6.

Visa Support

St. Luke's Orthopedic Surgery Residency program supports visa applications for international medical graduates. The two primary visa types supported include the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa and the H-1B Visa.

Conclusion

Overall, St. Luke's Orthopedic Surgery Residency offers a robust educational experience that combines hands-on surgical training, comprehensive mentorship, and ample research opportunities. This makes it a compelling choice for medical students aspiring to excel in the field of orthopedic surgery.