University of Connecticut Program

The Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship at the University of Connecticut is a prestigious one-year program accredited by the ACGME, designed to provide in-depth clinical and operative experience in pediatric orthopaedics. The program focuses on multiple aspects of pediatric orthopaedic care, including pediatric spine deformities, sports medicine, hip disorders in young patients, limb deformities, and the care of neuromuscular children. Trainees will also gain comprehensive experience in pediatric trauma cases, equipping them with the skills necessary to handle a diverse range of pediatric orthopaedic conditions.

The overarching mission of the program is to train future pediatric orthopaedic surgeons who are not only proficient in clinical skills but are also capable of managing a diverse patient population. By exposing fellows to various pathologies and the cultural contexts of healthcare delivery, the program aims to foster a deeper understanding of how to effectively provide care to a varied demographic of patients at Connecticut Children’s, as well as in broader contexts within the Northeast United States.

Curriculum and Rotations

During this fellowship, fellows are immersed in a mentorship model where they rotate with faculty members in two-month blocks. Within these rotations, participants are actively involved in examining patients and assisting in surgical procedures.

Fellows have the opportunity to work in multiple clinical settings, including outpatient clinics, emergency departments, inpatient wards, and operating rooms. Expectations for fellows include contributing to daily patient management discussions during rounds and taking an active role in surgical procedures. As their surgical skills develop, their responsibilities in the operating room progressively increase, aligning with their growing proficiency.

Research Component

A vital component of the fellowship is the requirement for fellows to complete a publication-quality research project. While there is no dedicated research rotation, fellows are allocated a half to a full day each week specifically for research work. To further prepare for their research responsibilities, all fellows are required to take a course on the Introduction to Research for Pediatric Fellows, which includes various online modules and in-person lectures.

Unique Features of the Program

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with distinguished faculty and access excellent facilities, including the internationally recognized Gait Laboratory that specializes in motion analysis. The program is also associated with Connecticut Children’s Hospital, the only free-standing children's hospital in Connecticut, which provides a nurturing environment focused exclusively on pediatric care.

The varied clinical settings and the scope of cases handled expose fellows to extensive surgical and clinical experiences, facilitating their development into confident and competent pediatric orthopaedic surgeons.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are foundational elements of the fellowship. The program actively pursues diversity among its trainees, making concerted efforts to create an environment that reflects the population it serves. This commitment extends to various identities, including race, gender, ethnicity, and more, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all fellows. The program aims not just to reflect diversity but to support it through institutional initiatives.

Application Requirements

Applicants must fulfill specific eligibility criteria to apply for the fellowship. Candidates should have completed an ACGME-accredited orthopaedic residency and passed all three USMLE exams. U.S. citizenship or possession of a green card or J-1 visa is mandatory. UConn does not sponsor H-visas, and foreign medical graduates must have a valid ECFMG certificate. Importantly, applicants should have completed and passed their Step 3 examination before entering the fellowship.

While there is no specific minimum for USMLE scores, candidates must pass each step on the first attempt to be considered for an interview. Any gaps in training must be explained in the personal statement submitted with the application.

Fellowship and Visa Support

The program primarily sponsors J-1 visas, and all foreign applicants must meet the standard immigration requirements applicable to postgraduate training in the United States. Unlike many other programs that may offer various visa options, UConn focuses solely on J-1 visa sponsorship.

Competitiveness

The Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship at UConn is known to be competitive. It generally attracts a strong pool of applicants due to the program's holistic training opportunities, distinguished faculty, and commitment to developing skilled pediatric orthopaedic surgeons.

Fellow Benefits and Well-Being

The fellowship offers a generous benefits package including four weeks of vacation per year, a stipend for attending medical meetings and conferences, and educational expenses. Specific resources for well-being include access to counseling services and various programs designed to help fellows maintain their personal and professional well-being.

Evaluation and Feedback

Regular evaluations occur twice a year, assessing fellows based on core competencies defined by ACGME. Fellows also provide feedback on faculty members after each rotation, contributing to the continuous improvement of the program.