University of California Davis Health Program

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.