University of Mississippi Medical Center Program

The Hand Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center aims to enhance and broaden the skills of fellows in the diagnosis and management of upper extremity injuries, extending from the shoulder to the fingertip. This program provides comprehensive training, allowing fellows to learn the intricacies of diagnosing hand and upper extremity conditions, as well as appropriate surgical and non-surgical management techniques. The curriculum includes both supervised hands-on experience and structured learning environments.

As a highly specialized fellowship, it covers all facets of upper extremity surgery, including joint replacements of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist; managing upper extremity fractures and dislocations; addressing soft tissue injuries; performing tendon repairs and reconstructions; treating tumors, nerve repairs, infections, vascular injuries, and microvascular surgeries. This thorough approach is designed to prepare fellows for real-world challenges in the field of hand surgery 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship year is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing fellows to rotate among various faculty members specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery based on individual interests. The fellow also gains exposure to the Division of Plastic Surgery, further enriching their educational experience. Training begins with foundational and advanced courses in a highly supervised microvascular laboratory, enabling fellows to develop critical micro-surgical skills early in the program.

Clinical Responsibilities

Fellows function as junior staff members, taking an active role in teaching and supervising residents from both orthopaedic and plastic surgery backgrounds. This peer-learning environment is supplemented by formal didactic sessions, including the inclusion of a monthly hand and upper extremity journal club, where fellows engage in case presentations focusing on preoperative and postoperative management scenarios, including complications and outcomes 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to participate in research projects that align with their specific interests in upper extremity surgery. Each fellow is supported to attend one meeting and one course of their choosing throughout the fellowship year, encouraging continual professional development. The program allows for a robust educational experience where both clinical and research activities are seamlessly intertwined.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

This program is generally competitive and invites a diverse group of applicants, including graduates from MD and DO backgrounds and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The fellowship also offers visa sponsorship opportunities, typically supporting J-1 or H-1B visa applications for qualified international candidates, thus promoting a rich exchange of knowledge and practices in surgical techniques across various cultures.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants are required to complete the ASSH application online, together with essential documentation that includes a personal statement, curriculum vitae, USMLE scores, a Letter of Good Standing, and three letters of recommendation. This thorough application process ensures that selected fellows have demonstrated a strong commitment to the field of hand surgery and are well prepared for the rigors of the fellowship program 2.

Fellowship Faculty

The Hand Fellowship faculty includes distinguished professionals with advanced training and expertise in hand and upper extremity surgery. The Program Director is a well-respected figure in the field, backed by extensive educational and clinical experience. This high level of mentorship ensures that fellows receive top-notch instruction and guidance throughout their training, fostering an environment where learning is prioritized and excellence is encouraged 2.