University of Chicago Program

The Combined Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship at the University of Chicago is a fully accredited program designed to provide extensive training in hand surgery and upper extremity techniques. The program accepts two fellows each academic year and is notable for its strong focus on education through critical thinking, experiential learning, and a robust clinical experience.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is structured into rotations lasting 12 months, where fellows spend six months at the University of Chicago Medicine and six months at NorthShore University HealthSystem. Each institution offers unique experiences tailored to various aspects of hand and upper extremity surgery.

At the University of Chicago, fellows are assigned to two teams comprising 2-3 attending surgeons and 2 residents, rotating every six weeks. This setup ensures that fellows are exposed to complex trauma cases, microsurgery, and congenital hand problems, preparing them for various challenges in their surgical careers 1.

NorthShore provides a community-based practice experience exposing fellows to high patient volumes and diverse clinical scenarios, thus enhancing their overall training 1.

Didactics

Didactic education is a key component of the fellowship. It features weekly hand conferences on various topics such as pain management, surgical procedures, and occupational therapy, attended by faculty, residents, and fellows from both training sites. In addition, fellows engage in a fellow-specific conference that focuses on classic literature relevant to hand surgery 1.

Fellowship Experience

The fellowship program includes a week-long microvascular course at Mayo Clinic which is invaluable for enhancing surgical skills. Clinical settings allow fellows to participate actively in surgeries related to free and pedicled flap procedures, brachial plexus surgery, and other complex surgeries. Fellows also gain experience in pediatrics at Comer Children’s Hospital, a Level I trauma center for pediatric patients 1.

Call and Responsibilities

Fellows are responsible for call coverage at their assigned sites, including handling consults in the Emergency Department. They are expected to manage inpatient cases and lead surgical interventions as required. Each fellow typically covers one weekend per month along with two days of call during the week 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is integral to the fellowship experience with an expectation that each fellow undertakes a project leading to publication in a peer-reviewed journal by the end of the program. The hand division at the University of Chicago is active in clinical and basic science research, offering a rich environment conducive to academic inquiry 1.

Visa Support

The University of Chicago offers visa sponsorship for international applicants, primarily preferring J-1 visas. Applicants must ensure they are authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis before the start date of the fellowship 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship program is considered highly competitive, accepting well-qualified candidates including DOs and IMGs. Candidates should be authorized for work in the U.S. and must adhere to the program's application submission processes outlined for specific cycles 1. The application requires a strong academic background, clinical experience, and recommendations from prior supervising institutions.

Training Sites

The program's training sites include the University of Chicago Medicine, recognized as a Level I Trauma Center, which serves both adult and pediatric populations. NorthShore provides diverse clinical pathology exposure and new operational technologies in a community-based training setting 1.

Conclusion

In summary, the University of Chicago's Combined Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship offers a comprehensive, structured training experience that emphasizes clinical excellence, hands-on learning, and research, making it an appealing choice for those pursuing a career in hand surgery.