University of California Davis Health Program

The Hand, Upper Extremity and Microvascular Fellowship at the University of California Davis Health is specifically designed to prepare a Board eligible orthopaedic surgeon for a career in upper extremity surgery. The curriculum encompasses training across a wide array of hand surgery areas including trauma, arthritis, congenital issues, tumors, and comprehensive post-traumatic reconstruction. Furthermore, the program provides specialized experience in microsurgical techniques such as free-tissue transfers, replantation, brachial plexus surgery, and reconstructive shoulder surgery 1.

This fellowship features extensive patient exposure and operative experience combined with dedicated research time. Fellows will have access to a full-time research laboratory equipped for high-quality research necessary for national presentations and publications. Additionally, an independent microsurgery laboratory will be available for fellows’ use, and one week is allocated for an independent training microsurgery course 1.

Fellows are appointed at the PGY6 level and are entrusted with significant responsibilities. When on call, fellows act as the senior person accountable for managing hand injuries, benefiting from consistent senior staff backup for complex cases. The distribution of elective surgeries is managed between the chief resident and the fellow, ensuring educational appropriateness throughout the fellowship experience 1.

Program Structure

The fellowship operates on a progressive responsibility model where clinical and surgical experiences are supervised. Each fellow is expected to teach and supervise junior residents while receiving guidance from attending faculty. The primary goals of the fellowship include achieving competency in hand care, developing teaching acumen, and engaging in research activities 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program is highly competitive and suitable for both MD and DO candidates, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs). It fosters an inclusive environment that emphasizes diversity among its fellows. Applicants will need to fulfill specific requirements such as having completed an ACGME-accredited residency in Orthopaedic Surgery 1.

Curriculum and Training Sites

The fellowship combines a robust curriculum of didactic and surgical training. Weekly Grand Rounds focus on upper extremity surgery and are complemented by organized presentations from residents and fellows. Hands-on anatomy sessions with cadaver dissections are also integral, allowing fellows to solidify their theoretical knowledge 1.

Training occurs at UC Davis Health’s state-of-the-art facilities as well as the Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California, situated in Sacramento. The program allows fellows to manage a diverse range of cases, enhancing their surgical and clinical skills in multiple environments, thus preparing them for independent practice 1.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes research alongside clinical duties. Each fellow is encouraged to participate in at least one laboratory and one clinical research project during the training year. The expectation is to produce and publish scholarly papers in peer-reviewed journals, ranging from the basic science to clinical trials 1.

Compensation and Visa Support

The compensation for a PGY6 fellow in the program stands at $93,567.63 annually, supplemented with excellent benefits, ensuring that fellows can fully engage in their educational training without financial burdens. The program supports various visa types and offers sponsorship for eligible international fellows 1.

Application Requirements and Process

Competitive applicants must submit a complete application detailing their credentials, including letters of recommendation, a CV, and evidence of having completed all post-graduate training. No more than two failed attempts on the USMLE examinations are typically accepted 1. The application process is managed through the SF Match Program, ensuring a structured and fair selection process to identify individuals who align with the fellowship's mission and values.