University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

The Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery offers a prestigious one-year fellowship program in hand surgery, which is a collaborative effort with the University of Louisville School of Medicine. This program is designed for qualified general, orthopedic, or plastic surgeons seeking to gain advanced skills and knowledge in hand and upper-extremity surgery. The fellowship is accredited and welcomes fully trained surgeons from various countries around the globe, contributing to a rich diversity of experience and practice within the program.

The fellowship program typically grants eight ACGME-accredited positions annually for both U.S. and Canadian-trained surgeons, selected through the NRMP Specialty Hand Surgery Match. In addition, there are opportunities for approximately eight positions each year for internationally-trained surgeons. All fellows are expected to have completed a residency in orthopedics, plastic, or general surgery before beginning the fellowship, ensuring that the participants are adequately prepared for the specialized training.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The training experience at CMKI encompasses a balance of clinical practice, research opportunities, and rigorous educational components. Fellows are immersed in a variety of clinical settings, performing approximately 6,000 procedures under direct supervision, thus honing their surgical skills and gaining hands-on experience in complex cases.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows rotate with experienced faculty members across diverse clinical environments, which include the Jewish Hospital's operating rooms, outpatient care facilities, and various community clinics. This exposes fellows to a broad spectrum of hand conditions and surgical techniques.

Daily Educational Activities

The fellowship includes structured daily didactic conferences, which cover essential topics ranging from biomechanics to evidence-based practices. Key features of the educational schedule include:

• Staff-led lectures on Mondays and Tuesdays
• Lectures by fellows on Wednesdays
• Biomechanics and evidence-based medicine series on Thursdays
• Case presentations and journal clubs on Fridays

Workshops and Lab Experience

Fellows also benefit from access to a well-equipped Microlab, which is available 24/7 for practicing microsurgical techniques. Workshops are conducted regularly on topics such as upper extremity fixation and the latest flap techniques, allowing fellows to learn new skills and refine existing ones.

Research Opportunities

The CMKI fellowship places a strong emphasis on research. While participation is a requirement, fellows are encouraged to engage with various research initiatives, whether through prospective studies, chart reviews, or collaborative projects with faculty. The institute supports scholarly activity, helping fellows contribute to advancing the field of hand surgery.

Program Facilities

The Christine M. Kleinert Institute is located in the Jewish Hospital Outpatient Care Center, situated in the downtown medical district of Louisville, Kentucky. This strategic location places the institute within walking distance of multiple hospitals and clinical facilities.

Fellows have access to various resources, including:

• Well-equipped seminar and preparation rooms for presentations
• The Kornhauser Library at the University of Louisville for literature searches and resource support
• A fresh tissue lab for dissection and research opportunities
• Modern surgical facilities at the affiliated hospitals for clinical practice.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for fellows is set at the level of a University of Louisville PGY-6. In addition to competitive salary, fellows receive benefits including malpractice insurance, health, and dental insurance, and four weeks of paid vacation time to promote their well-being and professional development.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program fosters an inclusive environment acknowledging the cultural and professional diversity of its fellows. The training not only enriches personal growth but also generates a comprehensive perspective on patient care and surgical practice. Diversity is embraced as a key aspect of learning and collaboration, fostering innovation in surgical techniques and patient treatment.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program supports international fellows by sponsoring J-1 visas for training. This offers an opportunity for qualified candidates from abroad to gain valuable experience in a leading institution that is at the forefront of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Application Requirements

Application to the fellowship is competitive, with specific requirements outlined for both U.S./Canadian and international applicants. Key application documents include a completed ACGME fellowship universal application, a program director letter, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, curriculum vitae, and USMLE scores.

Competitiveness of the Program

The fellowship at the Christine M. Kleinert Institute is recognized for its rigor and prestige, making it highly competitive. It seeks applicants with a strong commitment to excellence in hand surgery and an eagerness to contribute to the field through both clinical practice and research.