University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Program Overview

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program in Orthopaedic Surgery is a comprehensive five-year residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. It is designed to provide robust and diverse training in orthopaedic surgery, ensuring residents develop into competent orthopaedic surgeons equipped with the necessary skills, confidence, and professionalism. The program accommodates 35 residents, distributed equally across all five years of training, with an emphasis on a supportive and collaborative environment among faculty and peers 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses a wide range of orthopaedic subspecialties including orthopaedic trauma, joint reconstruction, sports medicine, hand surgery, and spine surgery. The initial year is a rotating internship that includes both surgical disciplines and direct orthopaedic care positioning the residents well for subsequent years. The training specifics are outlined as follows:

Year 1 (Internship)

This year includes rotations in various surgical disciplines, specifically: four months in general surgery and six months in orthopaedic surgery-related specialties. The rotations cover diverse fields such as pediatric surgery, burns, vascular surgery, and musculoskeletal radiology, alongside significant time in the orthopedic emergency room 1.

Years 2-5

Subsequent years focus on specialized orthopaedic training. Each year includes rotations tailored to specific subspecialties, providing extensive experience across the spectrum of orthopaedic surgery:

• Year 2: Adult reconstruction, hand surgery, pediatrics, sports medicine, and trauma.
• Year 3: Foot and ankle, hand, musculoskeletal oncology, trauma.
• Year 4: Foot and ankle, pediatrics, spine, and dedicated research time.
• Year 5: Focus on adult reconstruction, hand, musculoskeletal oncology, pediatrics, trauma, and additional leadership responsibilities.

The program includes opportunities for residents to attend key academic medical conferences, benefiting their education and professional development 1.

Rotations and Training Sites

Training takes place at multiple institutions within Miami, providing residents with exposure to varied patient populations and complex case scenarios. Key training sites include:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital: A significant hub for trauma and emergency cases.
• Ryder Trauma Center: Offers extensive surgical experience in orthopedic trauma.
• Nicklaus Children’s Hospital: Provides specialized pediatric training.
• UHealth Tower and Holtz Children’s Hospital: Additional exposure to general orthopedics in collaborative environments.

This variety enhances the residents' clinical skills and surgical acumen, ensuring a well-rounded training experience 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage actively in research, with dedicated rotation time in the PGY-4 year to foster inquiry and scholarship. Research avenues include clinical comparative effectiveness studies, biomechanical investigations, and quality improvement projects. Faculty support is readily available to guide residents through the process of scholarly work, promoting a culture of inquiry during their training 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is known for its competitive nature, welcoming both DO and IMG applicants. To apply, candidates must have completed the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 by October 1, and both Step 2 Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills by the time the rank list is due. The program does not mandate postgraduate training prior to application 1.

Visa Support

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System program sponsors J1 visas for non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents participating in the residency program. This visa type is tailored for international medical graduates seeking to pursue funded residency training opportunities within the United States 1.

Unique Aspects

The program prides itself on a diverse cohort and collaborative team environment, endorsing both academic excellence and effective clinical training. Resident camaraderie is emphasized, particularly within demanding services, fostering mutual support and mentorship among participants 1.

Alumni Placements

The success of the residency program is reflected in the placement of its alumni in prestigious institutions and fellowships across the country, such as Stanford University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Hospital for Special Surgery, thus evidencing the program’s strength and recognition among peers 1.