University of Minnesota/Tria Orthopaedic Center Program

The program in Sports Medicine & Shoulder Fellowship at the TRIA Orthopaedic Center, affiliated with the University of Minnesota, offers one of the most comprehensive training experiences for fellows committed to advancing their expertise in sports medicine. The fellowship is structured to provide extensive clinical and surgical training related to sports injuries and conditions.

Program Details: The fellowship boasts three available positions each year, filled through the Orthopaedic San Francisco Match Program. Applications require current enrollment in an accredited ACGME Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program and eligibility for a medical license to practice in Minnesota during the fellowship year. It is mandatory for candidates to have successfully completed all three steps of the USMLE prior to the program's commencement.

Clinical Experience: The clinical training encompasses a variety of procedures including arthroscopic and open shoulder surgeries, knee ligament reconstructions, hamstring repairs, cartilage transplantation, and hip and elbow arthroscopy. The program anticipates a high case volume, involving over 450 cases and more than 750 procedures annually, allowing fellows to gain practical and hands-on experience in a robust environment. Additionally, comprehensive coverage of professional and collegiate teams enhances the fellowship experience.

Benefits: The fellowship offers a competitive salary of $81,000 along with professional liability insurance and family health and dental insurance. Fellows enjoy 20 paid time off days, and moonlighting is permitted with prior approval from the program director. The fellowship spans one year, commencing from August 1 and concluding on July 31 the following year.

Didactic Education: Education is a cornerstone of the fellowship, featuring a vast array of didactic sessions weekly, journal clubs, case discussions, and specialty lectures. The program includes practical training through surgical skills labs, focusing on essential procedures such as ACL reconstruction and arthroplasty. Each fellow is expected to engage in a research project and must present their work at major annual conferences. The integration of physical therapy and musculoskeletal radiology education complements the curriculum, ensuring fellows understand the broader context of sports medicine.

Research Opportunities: Research plays a critical role in the fellowship program, allowing fellows to actively engage in scholarly work. Faculty members guide fellows through the entire research process, facilitating comprehensive learning and exposure to various research methodologies. We emphasize the importance of research in shaping future orthopedic surgeons.

Rotation Schedule: The fellowship consists of two six-month blocks, where the primary outpatient facility for both clinical and surgical training is the TRIA Orthopedic Center. Affiliated hospitals include Methodist Hospital, Riverside Hospital, Regions Hospital, and the University of Minnesota Health Sports Clinic and Surgery Center.

Team Coverage: A distinctive feature of the fellowship is the involvement in team coverage for high-level athletes. Fellows participate in team activities, including preseason training and game-day coverage for teams like the Minnesota Twins (MLB) and Minnesota Wild (NHL). Community engagement through high school sports and events organized by TRIA is integral to the fellows' training.

Visa Support: The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, allowing them to fulfill fellowship requirements while ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration policies. Eligible visa types typically include J-1 and H-1B visas, reflecting the program's commitment to supporting diverse medical professionals in training.

Competitiveness: The fellowship is highly competitive, appealing to both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. A strong emphasis is placed on applicant qualifications, hence candidates must exhibit a robust background in orthopedic surgery.

Application Requirements: Applicants who completed medical school no later than five years prior are encouraged to apply. The program does not allow for any failures on any of the USMLE steps.