University of Kansas (Wichita) Program

The Orthopaedic Residency Program at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita is designed to equip residents with essential clinical knowledge and surgical skills to practice orthopaedics competently. This program emphasizes the development of leadership qualities, preparing graduates for impactful careers in academic or community settings.

Program Overview

The residency program is fully accredited and has been operational for more than 50 years, serving as one of the busiest programs under the auspices of the Wichita Center for Graduate Medical Education (WCGME). With an average daily patient census of approximately 90 in Wichita hospitals, it provides robust clinical exposure. Coverage is offered 24/7 for orthopaedic emergencies at two Level 1 trauma centers.

Residents participate in diverse rotations across multiple subspecialties of orthopaedics throughout their education, promoting a comprehensive understanding of various orthopaedic conditions and treatments. Orthopaedic trauma training includes exposure to surgical techniques covering a full spectrum of injuries and fractures, emphasizing foundational skills in fracture care, surgical interventions, and nonoperative management.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum includes a structured rotation schedule that allows residents to experience all key subspecialties, including sports medicine, adult reconstruction, trauma, pediatrics, and more. During the second and fourth years, residents will rotate through adult reconstructive surgery and spend six months in a pediatric ortho-specialty hospital, allowing for unique learning opportunities.

Rotations also immerse residents in sports medicine, where they gain hands-on experience with collegiate and professional teams. In addition, the residency includes opportunities for residents to engage in surgical techniques related to hand and upper extremity disorders, spine surgery, and foot and ankle procedures.

Residency Structure

The residency program consists of five years, with the first year primarily focusing on foundational skills, while subsequent years involve increasing responsibility and leadership within clinical settings. From the first year, residents begin taking trauma calls, ensuring ample opportunities for operative experience and patient management.

The curriculum includes a well-defined educational conference, encompassing weekly lectures, journal reviews, and skills labs, with special emphasis placed on literature review and case discussions. Furthermore, monthly special conferences help enrich learning, often featuring guest lectures from renowned orthopaedic experts.

Research Opportunities

Research is a pivotal component of the residency program, urging residents to engage in both original research projects and quality improvement initiatives throughout their training. Each resident is mandated to complete at least one original clinical or laboratory research project suitable for publication, with mentorship available from faculty members. Projects require approval from relevant committees to ensure compliance with ethical standards.

Residents have access to dedicated research staff who support them through study design, protocol development, and publication processes, fostering a deep understanding of the scientific method and evidence-based medicine.

Facilities and Affiliations

The residency program benefits from affiliations with major healthcare entities in the region, including Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and Wesley Medical Center, both of which serve as trauma centers. Additional affiliations extend to several outpatient clinics and specialty centers, ensuring that residents receive a broad and comprehensive training experience.

Residents are encouraged to value community service by engaging with clinics that provide care to the uninsured population. This commitment to service is enhanced through a resident-run clinic at both major hospitals, fostering professional independence and continuity in patient care.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The University of Kansas Orthopaedic Residency Program is known to be highly competitive, attracting applicants nationwide. It is friendly toward both allopathic and osteopathic students, including international medical graduates. Specific application requirements include:

• Submission through ERAS, including three reference letters from U.S. physicians, preferably from orthopaedic faculty.
• Official transcripts and a dean's letter.
• USMLE scores for Part 1 and Part 2, if completed.
• Documentation of clinical practice post-2016 for international graduates.
• U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work visa (J-1).

Visa Support

The program supports applicants who require visa sponsorship, primarily offering support for the J-1 visa. This provision facilitates the inclusion of international medical graduates who wish to train in the United States.

Medical Student Education

The program also provides numerous educational opportunities for medical students, including elective rotations for fourth-year students. Allopathic and osteopathic students must meet specific credentialing and health requirements to participate. This aspect not only enriches the learning environment but also fosters collaborative interprofessional education.