University of Cincinnati Medical Center/College of Medicine Program

The University of Cincinnati Department of Orthopaedic Surgery offers a five-year residency program in orthopaedic trauma, accredited by the ACGME. This program is based primarily at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC), a prominent 699-bed acute care facility that serves as the only Level I adult trauma center in the tristate area. In addition to UCMC, residents train at West Chester Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and the Cincinnati Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, as well as various community hospitals throughout Cincinnati. The commitment of the faculty and staff to resident education is one of the program's defining features. Faculty members hold dual appointments, engaging in clinical practice at UC Health while teaching at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, which ranks among the top 50 medical schools in the nation. The program ensures that its residents acquire access to the latest technological innovations and clinical trial medications, thereby providing optimal patient care and education.

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The educational mission of the residency program focuses on training physicians in the evaluation, management, and care of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases. Key components of the program include:

• Didactic conferences and interactive courses across diverse areas of orthopaedic surgery, including general orthopaedics, children’s orthopaedics, adult reconstruction, sports medicine, hand surgery, and musculoskeletal oncology.
• Daily hands-on clinical training in diagnosing and managing orthopaedic issues encountered in emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, and the operating room.
• Geared responsibilities that escalate throughout the residency, with performance monitored through biannual evaluations and milestones.

At the end of each rotation, residents are assessed on several competencies, including patient care quality, professionalism, interpersonal skills, and practice-based learning, all documented through faculty evaluations and the AAOS in-training examination.

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Application Process

Applications to the orthopaedic residency program are processed exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Paper applications submitted outside of ERAS will not be accepted. Prospective applicants, including international medical graduates, must consult their medical schools and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for ERAS submission guidance. Early applications are encouraged, with a preliminary review conducted upon receipt. A dean's letter is not necessary for the initial evaluation of applications, which must include essential materials such as three letters of recommendation, a CV, transcripts, and USMLE board scores.

The application deadline for receiving all materials, excluding the Dean's Letter, is October 15. Interviews will be extended to competitive applicants following a thorough review, with interview events hosted in-person and accompanied by informal receptions for candidates to interact with current residents.

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Curricular Structure

The curriculum for the orthopaedic residency emphasizes a progressive increase in clinical and surgical responsibilities. During the second and third years (PGY-2 and PGY-3), residents focus on fundamental skills, including history-taking and physical examinations, while also developing skills in non-operative and post-operative patient care. By the fourth and fifth years (PGY-4 and PGY-5), residents are expected to take on greater responsibilities in both outpatient settings and operating rooms, demonstrating competency in performing standard orthopaedic procedures with minimal supervision.

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Training Environments and Rotations

The program’s design incorporates a variety of teaching hospitals, including UCMC as the primary institution, while also providing exposure to community hospitals which enrich the residents' educational experience. These settings include intensive surgical procedures and diverse clinical scenarios that are pivotal in developing practical skills.

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Life in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a vibrant city that offers both exciting urban environments and family-friendly activities. It is recognized as a welcoming place for newcomers, featuring cultural attractions, recreation, and a rich culinary scene. This blend of lifestyle and community amenities makes residing in Cincinnati appealing for medical professionals in training.

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Visa Support

The program provides comprehensive visa support for eligible international medical graduates. Various visa types may be sponsored depending on the applicant's circumstances, focusing on facilitating participation in the residency training program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admissions to the orthopaedic residency program are notably competitive, reflecting the high demand for orthopaedic surgery positions. The program is known to be friendly towards both DO and IMG candidates, fostering an inclusive environment for a diverse applicant pool. Prospective residents should demonstrate strong academic performance with no more than one failed attempt on STEP exams and should ideally graduate within a prescribed timeframe from medical school to remain competitive.

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Benefits and Stipends

Residents in the orthopaedic program receive competitive stipends along with comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and academic resources. Detailed contracts and terms are provided to incoming residents to outline expectations and support.

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