University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Overview of the Hand Surgery Fellowship Program

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System offers a competitive Hand Surgery (Plastic Surgery) Fellowship designed to provide fellows with comprehensive training and education in the field of hand surgery. The fellowship encompasses a wide range of clinical experiences that prepare surgeons to excel in diagnosing and treating various hand and upper extremity conditions.

Application Information

Eligibility for the fellowship is managed through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Nevertheless, all applications must be submitted through the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Fellowship System, which operates independently of the NRMP. Candidates who wish to be considered must register separately with the NRMP and create a match list.

Applications are welcomed via the American Society for Surgery of the Hand platform, with specific deadlines outlined by that organization. Interviews for the fellowship occur between January and March of each year.

Fellowship Duration and Structure

The Hand Surgery Fellowship lasts for one year. Each fellow is expected to participate in weekly on-call duties, taking home call for one week each month.

Training Sites

The fellowship includes training at multiple prestigious institutions, such as:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital
• Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
• UHealth Tower

Clinical Experience

This fellowship emphasizes staged complex reconstruction of the upper extremity, with fellows primarily gaining experience at the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, recognized for its surgical efficiency. This hands-on training includes exposure to:

• Skeletal and soft tissue aspects of hand surgery
• Microsurgery
• Wrist reconstruction
• Pediatric hand surgery

Fellows will also be involved in high-level trauma and infection cases, with rotations aimed at developing skills in musculoskeletal fixation and soft tissue work.

Curriculum Highlights

The fellowship provides numerous educational opportunities, including:

• Dedicated one-month Pediatric Hand Rotation
• A variety of cases, including free flap reconstruction and brachial plexus surgeries
• Monthly multidisciplinary peripheral nerve conferences
• Weekly Hand core didactics and Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds lectures

Research and Faculty Mentorship

Fellows have access to an extensive research infrastructure, including affiliations with biomaterials and 3D printing labs. Mentorship from experienced faculty enhances the learning experience, enabling fellows to engage in ongoing clinical projects and research initiatives.

Visa Support

The program offers sponsorship for the J1-Visa, specifically under the Alien Physician Program provided by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. This visa is standard for international medical graduates who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, allowing them to participate in the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Requirements

The Hand Surgery Fellowship is considered highly competitive. Applicants must have completed the necessary United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, all candidates are required to hold an MD or DO degree from an accredited institution and complete postgraduate training in a general surgery, orthopedic surgery, or plastic surgery program accredited by the ACGME.

Overall, the fellowship aims to train the next generation of hand surgeons, providing a structured learning environment that emphasizes both academic excellence and high-standard clinical care. The program holds a remarkable track record, boasting a 100% pass rate on the Hand Surgery Examination for its alumni, reflecting its commitment to producing skilled and knowledgeable surgeons.