Summa Health System/NEOMED Program

The Summa Health System Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, in affiliation with Northeast Ohio Medical University, is a highly structured and rigorous five-year training program designed to produce capable, well-rounded orthopedic surgeons. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and mentorship, enabling residents to work closely with skilled, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons across various specialties.

Program Overview

The residency program aims to train residents in a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient care, teamwork, and continuous improvement. The curriculum integrates surgical practice, extensive academic opportunities, and unique learning experiences that include exposure to a variety of orthopedic subspecialties.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered. Qualified candidates must:

• Hold a degree from an accredited medical school in the United States or Canada.
• Have graduated from medical schools outside the U.S. or Canada that meet certain criteria, such as obtaining a currently valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate prior to appointment.
• Demonstate completion of both Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE or COMLEX. A passing Step II score is mandatory for interview consideration.
• Graduates must have completed their medical education no more than three years prior to the anticipated start date of the residency.
• International Medical Graduates must possess a J-1 Visa upon entry into the program.

Curriculum Structure

The residency curriculum is designed to provide residents with comprehensive training in orthopedic surgery, structured according to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) standards. Important components of the curriculum include:

• An intern boot camp to familiarize new residents with essential surgical skills and protocols.
• Regular morning conferences that integrate case studies and didactics delivered by faculty and residents to promote active learning.
• Hands-on surgical laboratories, wet lab training, and cadaver anatomy labs to reinforce practical skills.
• Access to over 145 surgical procedure videos created by residents to enhance preparatory learning.
• A research rotation that allows residents to engage with basic and clinical research, supported by faculty mentorship.

Rotations

The residency training includes comprehensive clinical rotations across multiple facilities. Residents will gain exposure to diverse patient populations and a variety of orthopedic cases. Training sites include:

• Summa Health Medical Center: A Level I trauma center providing hands-on experience dealing with high-volume trauma cases.
• Children's Hospital of Akron: A pediatric facility offering specialized training in pediatric orthopedic care.
• Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center: A private practice environment that enhances operative experience in a supportive teaching atmosphere.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral component of the residency experience at Summa Health. Residents are expected to engage in scholarly activities, with opportunities to conduct research in various orthopedic subspecialties, thanks to the department's collaboration with local universities. The program provides resources for project design, statistical analysis, and publication support, encouraging residents to pursue their areas of interest.

Stipends and Benefits

Summa Health System offers a competitive benefits package for residents, which includes:

• Annual vacation allowance of three weeks.
• A yearly food stipend and reimbursement for selected educational conferences.
• Comprehensive health insurance, dental, and long-term disability coverage.
• Access to wellness programs aimed at promoting mental and physical health.
• On-campus housing support and parking facilities.

Application Process

Prospective residents must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The application must include:

• Common Application Form and CV.
• Personal Statement and minimum three letters of recommendation.
• Dean’s Letter and official medical school transcripts.
• USMLE transcripts for both Step I and Step II.

Unique Program Features

The Summa Health Orthopaedic Surgery Residency offers distinctive opportunities that enhance training:

• Involvement in sports medicine by serving as team physicians for the University of Akron and Kent State University.
• Teaching responsibilities that allow residents to instruct medical students during clinical rotations.
• Personal workspaces and advanced educational facilities designed to facilitate effective learning experiences.

Visa Support

The program sponsors J-1 Visas, which are specifically for international medical graduates. This visa allows IMGs to come to the United States for the purpose of residency or fellowship training.

Competitiveness and Friendliness towards Applicants

The program is considered highly competitive within the field of orthopaedics. While there is a rigorous selection process, the program maintains a friendly environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, including osteopathic and international medical graduates.

Faculty and Support Structure

The program boasts a strong faculty made up of seasoned orthopedic surgeons dedicated to resident education and mentorship. The program leadership emphasizes a supportive environment conducive to personal and professional growth.