University of Puerto Rico Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Puerto Rico is a distinguished training program that has been in existence for over 50 years. It is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and aims to educate and develop orthopaedic surgeons capable of excelling in both clinical practice and academic environments.

The program is designed as a five-year curriculum, structured to provide residents with comprehensive training in orthopaedic surgery. Each year, the program accepts four residents, making a total of 20 residents enrolled at any given time. Through various rotations, residents gain hands-on experience in multiple aspects of orthopaedic care, which encompasses both inpatient and outpatient settings across several training sites.

Training Sites

The primary training site is the Puerto Rico Medical Center, which includes the Adult University Hospital, Pediatric Hospital, San Juan Hospital, and Oncology Hospital. Additionally, residents are exposed to diverse clinical environments through five additional participating sites. This extensive variety allows residents to experience a broad spectrum of clinical cases ranging from basic to highly specialized conditions. The program emphasizes teamwork and collaboration among different specialties, which fosters a collegial atmosphere for learning.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program's curriculum encompasses a wide range of clinical scenarios, including surgical and non-surgical management of orthopaedic conditions. The structured rotations are designed to cover all key areas of orthopaedics, with a focus on critical thinking, psychomotor skills, and ethical practice. Each resident will not only manage cases in the operating room but will also participate in rounds, outpatient appointments, and educational sessions pertinent to general orthopaedics and subspecialties like sports medicine, pediatrics, trauma, and musculoskeletal oncology.

Research Opportunities

The Orthopaedic Section encourages research and academic development among its residents. There are ongoing research projects in various areas of orthopaedics, and residents are supported to contribute to published works and attend academic conferences. This aspect is crucial for those aiming for academic careers in medicine or wishing to pursue advanced trainings.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, candidates must submit an application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Application requirements include a completed ERAS application form, a photograph, a curriculum vitae, a personal statement, official medical school transcripts, a Dean's letter, two letters of recommendation (preferably from orthopaedic or general surgery faculty), proof of USMLE Part I and Part II completion, and a month-long clinical rotation in the orthopaedic service. Additionally, candidates must be fully bilingual in English and Spanish, and must provide an official ECFMG certificate if they are graduates of foreign medical schools. Foreign medical graduates also require a visa permit, and interviews for selected applicants are typically held in January annually.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international candidates, and it can sponsor the necessary visas for foreign graduates. This sponsorship facilitates a smoother transition for non-U.S. citizens wishing to join the residency.

Competitiveness

The selection process for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is highly competitive. Candidates who generally apply are those who have performed exceptionally well during their medical training, often graduating at the top of their class. This application pool consists of a mix of U.S. medical graduates as well as international medical graduates and DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) candidates.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the distinctive features of the University of Puerto Rico's Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is its focus on providing compassionate healthcare while upholding the highest ethical standards. The faculty consists of a dedicated team of experienced professionals who are deeply committed to education and mentorship, instilling virtues of collaboration and professionalism among residents. Moreover, the residents frequently participate in community service and outreach programs, enhancing their understanding of healthcare disparities and the importance of serving diverse populations.

Residents will have the chance to be part of an established program recognized for producing highly competent orthopaedic surgeons who serve various communities, both within Puerto Rico and internationally.