University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Program

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson provides a comprehensive and immersive training experience, focusing on mentorship and hands-on learning. Established in 1973, the program ranks among the leading orthopedic training opportunities, fostering an environment that prioritizes both clinical excellence and resident well-being.

The program operates on a five-year training model, accepting four residents annually. Unlike many orthopedic residencies, this program emphasizes a true mentorship approach—residents gain extensive one-on-one exposure to attending surgeons over significant periods. This structure allows residents to develop a deep understanding of both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic practices, advancing their skills efficiently and effectively1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency features a diverse curriculum encompassing various subspecialties. Each resident undergoes rotations in a range of areas, including orthopedic trauma, adult orthopedics, pediatric care, hand surgery, and more. Rotations typically last two to three months, enabling residents to build strong partnerships with their mentors and enhance their learning through repeated exposure to their specialties throughout the five years of training.

The curriculum includes:

• PGY-I: Orthopedic Trauma, Adult Orthopedics, Surgical Skills Training, Emergency Medicine, Acute Care General Surgery, Musculoskeletal Radiology, Vascular Surgery, Plastic Surgery.
• PGY-II: Hand Surgery, Pediatrics (at Shriners Children's Salt Lake City), General Adult Orthopedics, Trauma.
• PGY-III: Spine, Foot and Ankle, Trauma, Sports Medicine.
• PGY-IV: Adult Reconstruction, Shoulder Surgery, Community Hand Surgery, Pediatrics.
• PGY-V: Sports Medicine, Trauma, Tumor Surgery (at Phoenix Children's Hospital and HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center), Adult Reconstruction.

This structure allows residents to accumulate an impressive volume of operative experience early in their training, with an emphasis on both guided and independent decision-making5.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Arizona’s Orthopedic Surgery Residency specializes in producing a robust educational atmosphere characterized by collaboration, personal growth, and mutual respect among residents and faculty. There are no fellows present, ensuring that all attention is directed towards resident education. This model not only fosters a culture of mentorship but also enhances the learning curve for residents at all levels of training.

Residents value the supportive community dynamic within the program, with many stating that their colleagues develop close personal relationships, allowing them to trust and rely on each other for assistance, especially during challenging times in the residency experience.

The residency program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is exemplary, with more than half of the residents coming from underrepresented backgrounds. The program undertakes special initiatives to enhance the educational experiences of these residents through dedicated Grand Rounds focused on DEI topics within orthopedics6.

Training Sites

The primary clinical site for residents is the Banner University Medical Center-Tucson, which is complemented by the Banner University Medical Center-South Campus. Together, these facilities provide extensive resources for a broad range of orthopedic trauma and elective surgeries. Outpatient training also occurs at multiple multispecialty clinics across Tucson, which enhances practical experience and patient interaction.

In addition to local training, residents engage in out-of-town rotations, including a three-month pediatric rotation at Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City and an orthopedic oncology rotation that further broadens their educational experience in diverse healthcare settings

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship, specifically for J-1 visas, which are typically required for international medical graduates. This enables qualified foreign applicants to participate in the residency program, ensuring a diverse incoming class where candidates from various backgrounds can contribute to the learning environment.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is regarded as highly competitive, yet it aims to be inclusive of Osteopathic Medical Graduates (DOs) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Special considerations are given to diverse backgrounds and experiences, promoting an enriching environment for all candidates.

All applicants must meet specific prerequisites to apply, including submitting a complete set of application materials via ERAS by November 1, which includes a curriculum vitae, personal statement, medical school transcript, and additional letters of recommendation. Notably, applicants who have multiple failed attempts on USMLE steps may be reviewed with caution depending on the specific case context and overall application strengths.