University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare (Ocala) Program

Overview of the Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Central Florida and HCA Florida Healthcare in Ocala provides a comprehensive training experience designed to develop skilled orthopedic surgeons. The program aims to expose residents to the breadth of all orthopedic surgical subspecialties, fostering a continuing medical education atmosphere that supports both clinical excellence and research engagement.

Curriculum

The curriculum is crafted to provide a thorough education and practical training necessary for residents to excel in their careers. Residents are scheduled to participate in diverse rotations that encompass all facets of orthopedic surgery, including trauma, sports medicine, joint replacement, and pediatric orthopedics. Each rotation provides exposure to various clinical settings, facilitating a well-rounded educational experience. Furthermore, the residents engage in didactic sessions to supplement their clinical training.

Research Opportunities

Research is a pivotal component of the residency program. Every resident is required to complete at least one original investigation on a topic of significance, which must be presented at a state or national meeting. The program emphasizes outcomes-related research, focusing on holistic patient care from admission through postoperative follow-up. To support these efforts, residents have access to a wealth of resources available through the HCA Healthcare system.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers competitive salaries and an array of benefits that include low-cost medical and dental insurance, professional liability insurance, and eligibility for life and disability insurance. Salary scales for residents vary based on their postgraduate year (PGY), with specific allowances for vacation and educational leave. For instance, residents can expect three weeks of vacation in PGY1 and four weeks in subsequent years. Moreover, residents are provided with tools for their training such as laptops and iPhones to facilitate access to electronic medical records and communication.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is supportive of international medical graduates and can provide visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. This makes it accessible to a diverse applicant pool, thus fostering an inclusive training environment.

Application Requirements

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency program has specific application requirements that applicants must adhere to. Candidates must possess significant test scores, with a minimum USMLE score of 243 or COMLEX score of 586 being requisite. The program welcomes DO candidates and international medical graduates but does have a standard for maximum failed STEP examinations, which should be taken into consideration when applying.

Competitiveness

This residency program is considered competitive; however, it remains approachable for osteopathic (DO) and International Medical Graduate (IMG) candidates. The emphasis on research and the educational approach within the program provides a supportive environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Supportive Learning Environment

One of the program’s strengths is its commitment to developing each resident’s clinical skills alongside their personal and professional growth. The faculty members are dedicated mentors who are deeply invested in the residents’ educational journeys, ensuring that they receive valuable guidance and support throughout their training.