Stanford Health Care-Sponsored Stanford University Program

The Hand & Upper Limb Fellowship at Stanford is an advanced training program meticulously designed for board-eligible applicants in either orthopaedic or plastic surgery who are committed to specializing in upper limb surgery. The fellowship is anchored at the Robert A. Chase Hand & Upper Limb Center, a multidisciplinary facility that brings together both orthopedic and plastic surgeons, enhancing the fellows' exposure to a variety of upper limb conditions.

The program promotes a hands-on approach to education, where fellows are integral to the didactic education process. They play a critical role in organizing and contributing to weekly conferences, anatomy labs, and informal teaching sessions for residents. This immersive educational environment cultivates not just clinical expertise but also nurtures research capabilities, providing ample opportunities for both clinical and basic science research.

Rotations

The fellowship commences on August 1 and consists of rotations through several prestigious training sites. These include Stanford University Medical Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. Each rotation provides diverse clinical experiences:

• Stanford University Medical Center: Focuses on disorders in adults, primarily addressing issues related to reconstruction, trauma, and athletic injuries, including significant microvascular intervention.
• Lucile Packard Children's Hospital: Mainly concentrates on congenital hand anomalies and brachial plexus injuries.
• Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System: Primarily emphasizes reconstructive surgery and care for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Application Process

The program aims to train three hand fellows each year, consisting of two orthopedic fellows and one plastic surgeon. Applications are submitted through the ASSH website, and candidates must provide a complete set of materials, including:

• Completed application through the ASSH platform
• Three letters of recommendation
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement
• Medical school transcript
• Standardized tests (USMLE or equivalent)

The fellowship participates in the NRMP under the Combined Musculoskeletal Matching Program, enhancing the selection process for candidates.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship guarantees a robust experience through a blend of practical clinical training and academic rigor. The innovative composition of the fellowship, with its combination of orthopedic and plastic surgery expertise, allows for a multifaceted approach to learning and patient care. Fellows interact closely with a team of ten full-time faculty known for their diverse backgrounds in high-energy trauma, degenerative pathologies, nerve injuries, pediatric cases, and soft tissue problems.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international applicants, typically facilitating sponsorship for J-1 visas. This support enhances the program's accessibility to a wider pool of talented individuals aspiring to specialize in hand surgery.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, particularly due to its dual focus on orthopedic and plastic surgery. The program is friendly to candidates from both DO and IMG backgrounds, reflecting a commitment to diversity in medical education.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants should be aware that a maximum of two failed attempts on the USMLE Step exams may be accepted as part of the eligibility criteria. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply, particularly those who have demonstrated a commitment to upper limb surgery through clinical experience or research.

Alumni from the program pursue diverse careers, including private practice, further academic training, and roles in public health, extending the program's influence across various medical landscapes in the U.S. and beyond.