Specialty:
Orthopaedic surgeryACGME Code:
2600521133NRMP Program Code:
1046260C1, 1046260C0The UC Davis Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program encompasses a comprehensive approach to training future orthopaedic surgeons, blending clinical excellence with research and academic rigor. Each year, the program accepts five new residents from an applicant pool exceeding 600 candidates, reflecting its competitiveness and the quality of training provided. The program's design focuses on producing highly competent, well-trained orthopaedic surgeons prepared for both community practice and academic roles.
Educational Objectives
At the core of the residency program are the educational goals intended to ensure that by the end of the training, residents possess the essential knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for proficient practice. The structured environment includes thorough clinical training across various orthopaedic subspecialties, supported by a robust research component aimed at fostering critical evaluation of ongoing developments in the field 1.
Training Structure and Rotations
The residency spans six years, integrating both clinical and research training with a structured curriculum. Throughout this period, residents engage in diverse rotations, from basic medical and surgical disciplines to advanced orthopaedic treatments.
- In the PGY-1 year, residents rotate through several essential specialties, including emergency medicine and general trauma surgery. This foundational year is pivotal for longitudinal skill development in surgery.
- The PGY-2 year emphasizes outpatient and inpatient management, focusing on core psychomotor skills and operative experience, complemented by rotations in hand surgery and sports medicine.
- By PGY-3, residents begin to take greater responsibility in patient care, actively participating in complex surgical cases while further honing their clinical acumen through rotations in spine and adult reconstruction surgeries.
- In the PGY-4 year, residents transition towards leadership roles, supervising junior residents, and planning treatments for both inpatient and outpatient cases.
- The final PGY-5 year positions residents as chief residents, managing clinical activities and leading surgical teams 1.
Clinical Exposure
Residents gain extensive clinical exposure, performing between 1,800 and 2,100 cases during their training. The case mix encompasses trauma, reconstruction, and specialized orthopaedic surgery, ensuring that residents experience a thorough and diverse surgical education 1.
Research Opportunities
The program is recognized for its commitment to research, offering a dedicated research year for one resident annually who is interested in pursuing scholarly activities in-depth 1. Residents have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Lawrence J. Ellison Musculoskeletal Research Center, where they may engage in an array of clinical and laboratory studies. Continuous support and mentoring throughout the research process help residents present findings at national conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Training Sites
Residency training occurs across several prestigious institutions, including the UC Davis Medical Center, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Kaiser Permanente Hospital South. Each location offers distinct clinical environments, particularly beneficial for managing a diverse patient population 1.
Commitment to Diversity
The UC Davis Department of Orthopaedic Surgery actively supports diversity in training. The program emphasizes inclusion and aims to cultivate a broader representation within the profession by identifying and supporting candidates from varied backgrounds 1.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
As an IMG-friendly program, it welcomes applications from international medical graduates. Visa sponsorship is provided for J-1 clinical house staff, while H-1B visas are not sponsored, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering a diverse environment 6. Applicants must achieve specific educational benchmarks, including having completed clinical training and obtained letters of recommendation from appropriate medical professionals.
Living in Sacramento
Sacramento, California, the program's base, offers a dynamic lifestyle with diverse dining options, vibrant cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Residents benefit from a supportive community and access to local amenities, enhancing both personal and professional experiences 7.
Unique Aspects of the Program
Several unique elements set the UC Davis Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program apart:
- A comprehensive didactic curriculum, incorporating journal clubs, quality improvement conferences, and reconstructive surgery labs.
- The opportunity to participate in military residency for candidates through partnerships with the Department of Defense, further broadening training exposure.
- Strong emphasis on mentorship from experienced faculty and a supportive environment fostering both personal and professional growth 8.
Web Sources
- 1 .Residents
- 2 .Education Overview
- 3 .Fellowship Programs
- 4 .Medical Student Program
- 5 .Application Process
- 6 .FAQs
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My Notes
Director
- Name
- Gillian Soles, MD
- Position
- Program Director, Trauma, Associate Professor
- Appointed Since
- (Since July 2022)
Coordinator
- Name
- Ms. Margaret MacNitt, BS
- Position
- Education Programs Manager
- Name
- Ms. Margaret L Allen
- Position
- Education Programs Coordinator
Program
Program Size
- 5, 5, 5, 5, 5 (5 years)
- Accreditation Status
- Continued Accreditation since May 1969
Composition
Training
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
70 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
24 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$82,826First Year Paid Vacation:
28 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
12 daysAdmission
2025 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score
COMLEX Level 2 Score
Match History
Track: 1046260C1
2024
1 of 12023
1 of 12022
1 of 12021
1 of 12020
1 of 1Track: 1046260C0
2024
3 of 32023
3 of 32022
3 of 32021
3 of 32020
3 of 3Location
Sacramento, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Rental Prices
Living in Sacramento, CA
- Crime Rate and Safety
Sacramento has both safe and less safe neighborhoods. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in certain areas known for higher crime rates. Overall, it's advisable to stay informed about the safety of the specific neighborhood you choose to live in. - Fun Activities
Sacramento offers a variety of outdoor activities due to its proximity to rivers, parks, and hiking trails. The city also has museums, art galleries, and a growing food scene. Additionally, it's home to the California State Fair and is near wine country. - Climate
Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months. - Races and Population
Sacramento is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities among its population, contributing to a rich cultural experience. - Education
Sacramento is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for higher education. - Cost of Living
The cost of living in Sacramento is relatively high compared to other cities in California but is more affordable than some of the more expensive coastal cities. - Proximity to Larger Cities
Sacramento is located about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from San Francisco and is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours away from San Jose. You can easily explore larger metropolitan areas on weekends or during time off. - Pros
Proximity to outdoor activities, diverse population, cultural attractions. - Cons
Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, and the summers can be extremely hot.
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