UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

Overview of the UCLA Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program

The UCLA Orthopaedic Surgery residency program is renowned for its comprehensive educational approach, providing a supportive environment designed to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders in orthopaedic surgery. This fully accredited five-year integrated training program prepares residents for a diverse range of clinical and academic pursuits within orthopaedic medicine.

The program accommodates a broad spectrum of subspecialty areas, including adult reconstruction, pediatric orthopaedics, trauma, hand surgery, sports medicine, spinal reconstruction, foot and ankle surgery, and orthopaedic oncology. In collaboration with its affiliated sites, residents receive extensive and diversified clinical training and are encouraged to engage in research throughout their training, fulfilling the requirements set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to balance clinical practice with academic education. From PGY-1 through PGY-5, residents experience a range of rotations tailored by year to expose them to various orthopaedic subspecialties:

• PGY-1 Rotations: Six months in Orthopaedics and six months in General Surgery.
• PGY-2 Rotations: Spine, Sports, Pediatrics, and Trauma.
• PGY-3 Rotations: General Orthopaedics, Hand, Adult Reconstruction, Trauma, and Night Float.
• PGY-4 Rotations: General Orthopaedics, Hand, Foot & Ankle, Pediatrics, and Spine.
• PGY-5 Rotations: Adult Reconstruction, Oncology, Trauma, and Sports.

Didactic sessions are held weekly, offering lectures from faculty on basic science, clinical ethics, and surgical techniques. The program also features conferences at affiliated institutions, a journal club, a quality assurance conference, and grand rounds with distinguished visiting professors. This structure fosters a strong foundation in both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

Research Opportunities

Research is a pivotal element of the residency experience, with residents encouraged to engage in clinical and laboratory investigations. A notable aspect of the residency is the requirement for each resident to present research at graduation and to prepare at least one manuscript suitable for publication.

The program supports research endeavors with a wealth of resources, including access to bioengineers, molecular biologists, and computer experts. Residents can apply for the NIH-funded T32 training grant for dedicated research years, allowing two selected residents to pursue intensive research between their second and third years of clinical training. Previous projects have significantly contributed to peer-reviewed publications and federal funding.

Resident Life

The UCLA residency program emphasizes the significance of a balanced lifestyle, incorporating social and educational events to foster camaraderie and well-being among residents. Regular activities include faculty mentorship dinners, summer anatomy workshops, and various departmental celebrations, aimed at building a close-knit community.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the UCLA Orthopaedic Surgery residency must meet specific criteria to be eligible. These include:

• Graduation from an LCME or AOA accredited medical school.
• U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status, or possessing an appropriate educational visa.
• For international medical graduates, certification from the ECFMG and a letter of evaluation from the Medical Board of California are mandatory.
• Completion of the ERAS application with relevant documents, including personal statements, transcripts, and USMLE scores.

The application process is competitive, requiring submission through the NRMP matching system and adherence to California medical licensing requirements.

Visa Support

The program has the capability to sponsor limited visa types. Typically, it supports J-1 visas for international medical graduates, ensuring the eligibility of foreign applicants as they transition into the residency training landscape.

Living in Los Angeles

Residents of the UCLA Orthopaedic Surgery program benefit not just from the outstanding training but also from the vibrant lifestyle Los Angeles offers. The campus is nestled in a bustling area known for its cultural, culinary, and recreational activities. Housing options are available through the university, accommodating various needs, including family-friendly units for residents with children.