SUNY Upstate Medical University Program

The SUNY Upstate Medical University Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, based in Syracuse, New York, is designed to cultivate skilled, compassionate, and ethically sound orthopedic surgeons through a comprehensive five-year training experience. Accepting five residents annually, the program emphasizes exposure to a diverse range of orthopedic conditions and injuries across a multitude of clinical settings, establishing a well-rounded educational and clinical foundation.

Residents benefit from early integration into the operating room, beginning as interns with 2-3 months on a high-volume hand service, and continuing with an immersive curriculum focused on surgical skills. The interns typically engage in the operating room up to three days a week and also spend time on the trauma service, preparing for second-year trauma consult rotations. This foundational exposure is further reinforced through a surgical skills curriculum that occurs annually, helping residents to establish hands-on experience early in their training.

The residency program features a robust educational framework, with conferences taking place five days a week. Wednesday sessions are reserved for Grand Rounds or Morbidity and Mortality conferences, combining lectures, small group discussions, journal clubs, and cadaveric dissections to ensure comprehensive knowledge across all subspecialties of orthopedic surgery. As residents progress, they gain increasing levels of autonomy within the operating room and participate actively in decision-making processes. This structure is bolstered by strong faculty involvement, ensuring that resident education remains a top priority.

Residents participate in rotations across various hospital settings including Crouse Hospital, SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital Community Campus, Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Golisano Children's Hospital, Upstate Bone and Joint Center, and the Upstate Medical University Downtown Campus, the region's only Level 1 trauma center. This variety allows residents to engage with different subspecialties, including trauma, sports medicine, spine surgery, and pediatric orthopedics, among others, from the first year through the final year of the program.

Research Opportunities

Another significant component of the residency is its commitment to research. The program hosts a productive research initiative, consistently recognized for its high level of NIH funding. Residents are encouraged to engage in clinical and basic science research, utilizing the advanced research facilities at SUNY Upstate. The faculty includes numerous leaders in orthopedic surgery who guide residents in both clinical and research capacities.

Competitiveness

The program is moderately competitive, welcoming applications from both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs), and values diverse educational backgrounds. Special consideration may be given to DOs and IMGs, promoting a holistic approach to recruitment.

Application Requirements

Applicants typically must have graduated from medical school within a specific time frame, and the program may set requirements regarding failed STEP examination attempts. Furthermore, interviews are pivotal for selection, with no candidates accepted without a formal interview process.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates under the H-1B visa category, allowing qualified candidates to complete their residency training in the United States.

Living in Syracuse

Syracuse offers a lower cost of living compared to other cities, making it an affordable choice for residents. The city has a rich array of dining and shopping options, alongside recreational activities in state and county parks. Residents enjoy an active lifestyle with access to professional sports and cultural landmarks.

Stipends and Housing

The financial compensation for residents is structured annually, increasing each year as they progress through the program. Residents also benefit from institutional malpractice insurance as well as health and hospital insurance provided through SUNY Upstate Medical University. Housing is generally affordable, and support is available for new residents to find suitable accommodations.