University of Florida Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Florida is dedicated to the education and training of qualified individuals to practice Orthopaedic Surgery with the highest standards of patient care, research, and quality improvement. The aim of the program is to foster self-directed lifelong learning skills through a dynamic educational process that begins before medical school and continues throughout a surgeon's practice.

In the residency program, emphasis is placed on assisting each resident in developing a solid foundation in knowledge, clinical skills, and surgical expertise, enabling them to apply these principles effectively in practice. Residents engage actively in their educational process, with daily departmental teaching conferences and specialty conferences focused on various clinical services. Additionally, research participation is mandatory; each resident must be involved in research projects and achieve publication prior to graduation.

Program Overview

The University of Florida Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is a comprehensive five-year educational experience beginning with a PGY-1 year. Each year, the program accepts four residents, and the PGY-1 position does not require a separate application. All interested applicants must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), which includes essential documents like a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a medical school transcript.

The residency program not only focuses on academic knowledge but also emphasizes hands-on training in various orthopaedic procedures, enabling residents to gain sufficient experience across diverse clinical settings.

Curriculum and Rotations

Throughout the residency, residents will participate in an extensive curriculum that encompasses a wide range of orthopaedic sub-specialties. The rotations are designed to ensure that residents acquire comprehensive skills and knowledge in orthopaedic surgery, including trauma, sports medicine, pediatrics, and joint replacement. Each rotation is closely supervised by experienced faculty members who provide guidance and mentorship, further enhancing the learning experience.

The program has established robust relationships with several training sites, allowing residents to gain exposure to different clinical environments and patient populations. This diversity in training not only enriches the resident experience but also better prepares them for future challenges in orthopaedic practice.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a central role in the orthopaedic residency at the University of Florida. Each resident is expected to engage in at least one research project during their training, culminating in a manuscript suitable for publication. The program encourages the development of critical thinking and analytical skills, both of which are essential in modern medicine. Mentorship is provided through faculty and academic staff, assisting residents in navigating their research projects effectively.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The University of Florida Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is welcoming to international medical graduates (IMGs) and has provisions to support their visa applications. The program typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, allowing qualified international applicants to join the residency. This support is crucial for IMGs who aspire to pursue their training in the United States.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admissions to the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the University of Florida is highly competitive. Applicants must be graduates of accredited medical or osteopathic schools in the United States or Canada, and all candidates are expected to have passed their licensing examinations, including the USMLE for allopathic applicants or COMLEX for osteopathic candidates. Additionally, individuals applying should demonstrate strong academic achievements, clinical performance, and research involvement to enhance their application.

Special consideration is also given to the completeness of applications, which must be submitted by the established deadline. Prospective residents should ensure that they provide all required documents, as outlined during the application process.