SUNY Upstate Medical University Program

Overview of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at SUNY Upstate Medical University, located in Syracuse, New York, is designed to cultivate the next generation of competent and compassionate orthopedic surgeons. The program accepts five residents annually for a comprehensive five-year training focused on patient care, education, and research in the field of orthopedic surgery. The program leverages the resources of the only academic hospital-based facility in Central New York, serving a diverse range of orthopedic conditions and injuries across a five-county region.

Early engagement in surgical environments is a critical aspect of this residency. Interns initially participate in a high-volume hand service and trauma service, spending significant time in operating rooms with attending surgeons. Throughout the residency, there is an emphasis on developing surgical skills, with dedicated conferences and a robust curriculum.

Curriculum Details

The residency curriculum is structured to develop surgical competence through didactic and hands-on experiences. The first year comprises several off-service rotations coupled with six months dedicated to orthopedic surgery. Each subsequent year focuses more intensely on orthopedic subspecialties, each organized to provide increasing levels of responsibility.

The surgical curriculum begins with essential surgical skills before progressing into complex procedures involving various specialties. Residents engage in rotations that include hand and upper extremity surgery, sports medicine, spine surgery, orthopedic oncology, arthroplasty, pediatric orthopedics, trauma, and more. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough understanding of orthopedic surgery as well as tailored exposure to various settings including University Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center.

Training Sites

Residents in the program train at multiple hospitals and clinics within Syracuse, thus enriching their clinical experience. The primary training location includes:

• SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital Downtown Campus (Level 1 Trauma Center)
• Crouse Hospital
• Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• Golisano Children’s Hospital
• Upstate Bone and Joint Center

These varied settings allow residents to gain a well-rounded clinical experience across subspecialties within orthopedic surgery.

Research Opportunities

Significant emphasis is placed on research throughout the residency. The program boasts a productive research environment with substantial support from the NIH. Residents can participate in various clinical and basic science research projects, thereby enhancing their understanding and expertise within orthopedic medicine.

Access to researchers and resources allows residents to contribute to innovative projects that can shape the future of orthopedics.

Conferences and Education

Education at Upstate Orthopaedics is not limited to clinical rotations. Residents gain educational support through active participation in numerous conferences held five days a week. These include grand rounds, morbidity and mortality conferences, journal clubs, and skill-enhancement workshops. The faculty’s commitment to resident education reflects in the surgical proficiency and clinical decision-making skills developed over the course of the program.

Every Wednesday, residents engage in grand rounds or morbidity/mortality discussions, addressing the complexities and latest advancements within orthopedics.

Stipend and Benefits

The residency provides stipends that increase annually from the first to the fifth year post-MD. For example, the first-year stipend is approximately $64,869, extending to $78,610 in the fifth year. Health coverage and institutional medical malpractice insurance are also provided, ensuring residents' well-being during their training.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is highly competitive, focusing on selecting applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, clinical acumen, and a commitment to orthopedic surgery. Special application requirements may include educational background, year of graduation, and performance on evaluations like USMLE or COMLEX exams.

The residency program is recognized for being friendly to DO students and international medical graduates, enhancing diversity within the cohort.

Visa Support

The residency program provides visa support options for candidates who require sponsorship. Generally, the program is able to support J-1 or H-1B visas for international medical graduates who fulfill the eligibility criteria.

Living in Syracuse

Syracuse offers a supportive environment for residents with an affordable cost of living, coupled with accessibility to various amenities. The downtown area features numerous restaurants, parks, and cultural activities. Residents find ample housing options within proximity to clinical sites, fostering a sense of community among peers.

Additional Information

The SUNY Upstate Medical University Orthopaedic Surgery Residency is recognized for its strong commitment to preparing well-rounded orthopedic surgeons for diverse career paths, whether that be entering fellowships or general practice.

• 1 .Orthopedic Surgery Residency | Upstate Orthopedics
• 2 .Academics and Research | Upstate Orthopedics
• 3 .Hand Fellowship Program | Upstate Orthopedics
• 4 .Orthopedic Research at SUNY Upstate | Upstate Orthopedics
• 5 .Spine Fellowship Program | Upstate Orthopedics