University of Kansas (Wichita) Program

The Orthopaedic Residency Program at the University of KansasSchool of Medicine-Wichita is designed to equip residents withessential clinical knowledge and surgical skills to practiceorthopaedics competently. This program emphasizes the developmentof leadership qualities, preparing graduates for impactful careersin academic or community settings.

Program Overview

The residency program is fully accredited and has beenoperational for more than 50 years, serving as one of the busiestprograms under the auspices of the Wichita Center for GraduateMedical Education (WCGME). With an average daily patient census ofapproximately 90 in Wichita hospitals, it provides robust clinicalexposure. Coverage is offered 24/7 for orthopaedic emergencies attwo Level 1 trauma centers.

Residents participate in diverse rotations across multiplesubspecialties of orthopaedics throughout their education,promoting a comprehensive understanding of various orthopaedicconditions and treatments. Orthopaedic trauma training includesexposure to surgical techniques covering a full spectrum ofinjuries and fractures, emphasizing foundational skills in fracturecare, surgical interventions, and nonoperative management.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum includes a structured rotation schedule thatallows residents to experience all key subspecialties, includingsports medicine, adult reconstruction, trauma, pediatrics, andmore. During the second and fourth years, residents will rotatethrough adult reconstructive surgery and spend six months in apediatric ortho-specialty hospital, allowing for unique learningopportunities.

Rotations also immerse residents in sports medicine, where theygain hands-on experience with collegiate and professional teams. Inaddition, the residency includes opportunities for residents toengage in surgical techniques related to hand and upper extremitydisorders, spine surgery, and foot and ankle procedures.

Residency Structure

The residency program consists of five years, with the firstyear primarily focusing on foundational skills, while subsequentyears involve increasing responsibility and leadership withinclinical settings. From the first year, residents begin takingtrauma calls, ensuring ample opportunities for operative experienceand 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 casediscussions. Furthermore, monthly special conferences help enrichlearning, often featuring guest lectures from renowned orthopaedicexperts.

Research Opportunities

Research is a pivotal component of the residency program, urgingresidents to engage in both original research projects and qualityimprovement initiatives throughout their training. Each resident ismandated to complete at least one original clinical or laboratoryresearch project suitable for publication, with mentorshipavailable from faculty members. Projects require approval fromrelevant committees to ensure compliance with ethicalstandards.

Residents have access to dedicated research staff who supportthem through study design, protocol development, and publicationprocesses, fostering a deep understanding of the scientific methodand evidence-based medicine.

Facilities and Affiliations

The residency program benefits from affiliations with majorhealthcare entities in the region, including Ascension Via ChristiSt. Francis and Wesley Medical Center, both of which serve astrauma centers. Additional affiliations extend to severaloutpatient clinics and specialty centers, ensuring that residentsreceive a broad and comprehensive training experience.

Residents are encouraged to value community service by engagingwith clinics that provide care to the uninsured population. Thiscommitment to service is enhanced through a resident-run clinic atboth major hospitals, fostering professional independence andcontinuity in patient care.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The University of Kansas Orthopaedic Residency Program is knownto be highly competitive, attracting applicants nationwide. It isfriendly toward both allopathic and osteopathic students, includinginternational medical graduates. Specific application requirementsinclude:

• Submission through ERAS, including three reference letters fromU.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 internationalgraduates.
• 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 provisionfacilitates the inclusion of international medical graduates whowish to train in the United States.

Medical Student Education

The program also provides numerous educational opportunities formedical students, including elective rotations for fourth-yearstudents. Allopathic and osteopathic students must meet specificcredentialing and health requirements to participate. This aspectnot only enriches the learning environment but also fosterscollaborative interprofessional education.