Residency Advisor

University of California Davis Health Program

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Sacramento, CA

Specialty:

Orthopaedic surgery

ACGME Code:

2600521133

NRMP Program Code:

1046260C1, 1046260C0
YOG 3 Research Focused J1

The 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

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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
Email
mlmacnitt@ucdavis.edu
Name
Ms. Margaret L Allen
Position
Education Programs Coordinator
Email
malallen@ucdavis.edu

Program

Program Size

5, 5, 5, 5, 5 (5 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since May 1969

Composition

MD
DO
U.S. IMG
Non-U.S. IMG

Training

Fellowship Rate:
100%
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
0.9X
Residents Career Path
Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours:

70 hours

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:

24 hours

First Year Salary:

$82,826

First Year Paid Vacation:

28 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

12 days

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score:
257
Visa Sponsorship:
J1
YOG Cutoff:
3

2025 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights

No 2025 Applicant & Interview Insights available for this program.
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.

USMLE STEP 2 CK Score

No data available for Step 2 CK Score.

COMLEX Level 2 Score

No data available for Level 2 Score.

Match History

Track: 1046260C1

2024

1 of 1

2023

1 of 1

2022

1 of 1

2021

1 of 1

2020

1 of 1

Track: 1046260C0

2024

3 of 3

2023

3 of 3

2022

3 of 3

2021

3 of 3

2020

3 of 3
Filled Position
Unfilled Position

Location

Sacramento, CA

Population
1,585,055
Income
$90,252
Education
35.1%
Employment
60.1%
Health
4.9%
Age
37
Above the national average
Below the national average
Similar to the national average

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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