University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at UC San Diego is designed to provide trainees with a comprehensive and balanced learning experience across several clinical environments, fostering both academic and practical prowess in orthopaedic surgery.

Program Overview

The residency program offers a unique framework allowing residents to choose between two training tracks: a five-year clinical track and a six-year research track, which dedicates one year to substantial research activities. Each year, four residents are matched to the clinical track, while one resident is selected for the research track. This structure enables comprehensive exposure to both surgical techniques and academic medicine, enhancing the residents' journey toward becoming proficient orthopaedic surgeons. All residents are expected to actively participate in managing admitted patients, enhancing their consultative skills in a supportive environment.

Residents will benefit from a well-rounded curriculum that includes direct exposure to operative skill development, emphasizing decision-making in surgical care, alongside non-operative treatment knowledge.

Training Facilities

UC San Diego Health serves as the sole academic health system in the region and boasts one of the few adult Level I Trauma Centers. Residents will train at multiple facilities, which include the Jacobs Medical Center, Koman Outpatient Pavilion, and UC San Diego Hillcrest Medical Center, all equipped to handle a high volume of diverse clinical cases. The advanced infrastructure provides residents with access to cutting-edge technologies integral to the practice of modern orthopaedic surgery.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum consists of extensive orthopaedic training supplemented by rotations in various specialties. The first postgraduate year (PGY 1) includes six months dedicated to orthopedic rotations and six months in non-orthopedic rotations. Subsequent years generally comprise rotations that last 10 to 11 weeks in various subspecialties including Adult Joint Reconstruction, Pediatric Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, Trauma, and Hand & Microvascular Surgery.

Residents gain expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of conditions, developing surgical skills, conducting research, and integrating evidence-based practice into patient care.

Research Opportunities

Residents pursuing the research track will engage deeply in clinical, translational, or basic research after their first year of training. This year is designed to develop critical analysis skills and encourage meaningful contributions to orthopedic literature. The program strives to cultivate future clinician-scientists equipped with the necessary research training and experience.

Application Process

Applications for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency are exclusively submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). All applicants must submit a complete set of required documents, including a personal statement, medical school transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. International medical graduates must additionally provide proof of ECFMG certification. The program adheres to specific application deadlines and compliance with COVID-19 vaccination mandates.

Each applicant may apply to one or both residency tracks, with the understanding that each has distinct NRMP program codes.

Visa Support

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. The exact types of visas supported, including the J-1 and H-1B visas, ensure that eligible candidates can participate in the residency program without legal hindrances.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is designed to be highly competitive, actively recruiting both DO and IMG applicants. A focus on diversity ensures that residents from a myriad of backgrounds and experiences contribute positively to the learning environment.

Wellness and Work-Life Balance

Recognizing the demands of residency training, UC San Diego emphasizes resident wellness through initiatives like wellness days, retreats, and access to support resources. These measures are intended to foster a healthy balance between work responsibilities and personal well-being, facilitating an enriching training experience for all residents.

Meet the Residents

The residency program features a diverse group of residents who engage in various activities outside of the clinical environment, enhancing camaraderie and collaboration among participants. Hobbies range from outdoor sports to creative pursuits, showcasing the individual passions that residents bring with them as they embark on their medical careers.

With a commitment to fostering excellent patient care, advancing orthopedic knowledge through innovation, and preparing residents for a successful future in orthopaedics, the UC San Diego Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program stands out as a premier training opportunity.