University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine Program

The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine offers a comprehensive five-year residency program in Orthopaedic Surgery, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to residency training that encompasses various orthopaedic specialties, patient care, and orthopaedic research 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum in the Orthopaedic Surgery residency program is designed to provide residents with a thorough understanding of different subspecialties through structured conferences and hands-on rotations. Residents will participate in various conferences such as:

• Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds
• Pediatric Orthopaedic Conference
• Musculoskeletal Oncology Conference
• Journal Club

The curriculum includes a rigorous call schedule that allows residents to gain essential clinical experience. Typically, night float calls are arranged for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year residents, with back-up calls for the 4th and 5th-year residents averaging about seven days per month 4.

Rotations

From the second year onwards, residents will engage in five distinct rotations annually, focusing on a variety of critical areas such as:

• Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
• Orthopaedic Trauma
• Sports Medicine
• Hand Surgery
• Adult Reconstruction

In total, the structured rotation schedule is as follows:

• 1st Year: Orthopaedic Surgery, General Surgery, and other fundamental disciplines.
• 2nd Year: Specialized rotations including Hand, Adult Reconstruction, and Tumor.
• 3rd Year: Concentration on Spine and Sports and Shoulder.
• 4th Year: Advanced rotations involving Foot and Ankle, Pediatric Orthopaedics, and Sports Medicine.
• 5th Year: Final year rotations focusing on complex cases and surgical autonomy 4.

Salary and Benefits

The residency program provides a competitive salary along with several benefits, including research funding, travel support for training courses, and equipment necessary for residents to thrive in their training 5. Residents also gain access to resources that promote health and wellness, inclusion, and diversity.

Application Process

To apply for the Orthopaedic Surgery residency, prospective applicants must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Required application components include:

• Personal Statement
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Dean's Letter
• Medical School Transcript
• USMLE Step 1 and 2 transcripts (or COMLEX for DO applicants)
• Curriculum Vitae

Interviews for admitted candidates are typically conducted from December through early February 2.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for suitable candidates, including sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. This enables international medical graduates to apply and participate fully in the residency training offered by the program.

Competitiveness

The Orthopaedic Surgery residency program is characterized as highly competitive. It actively seeks candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and clinical acumen. The program welcomes applications from both U.S. allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical graduates as well as international medical graduates (IMGs), striving to maintain a diverse and inclusive cohort of residents 3.