University of South Florida Morsani Program

The Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Program at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine offers a comprehensive residency training experience catering specifically to the specialization of orthopaedic surgery. The program is designed to equip residents with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various areas of orthopaedics, including trauma, sports medicine, and surgical techniques.

Training Institutions

The program incorporates training at several prestigious institutions, allowing residents to gain exposure to a wide array of clinical settings. Primary training facilities include:

• Tampa General Hospital (TGH): This esteemed Level 1 Trauma Center is recognized nationally in multiple specialties, including orthopaedics. Residents primarily train here, ensuring extensive experience with trauma cases and surgical procedures.
• Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI): A leading institution aimed at providing top-tier orthopaedic healthcare, FOI collaborates closely with the program, offering diverse training experiences that encompass numerous subspecialties.
• James A. Haley Veterans Administration Medical Center: This facility provides residents the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population, further enhancing their ability to manage complex cases.
• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center: Renowned for its comprehensive cancer care, this center allows residents to engage in oncologic orthopaedic treatments.
• All Children's Hospital: As a top-ranked children’s hospital in Florida, this facility gives residents exposure to paediatric orthopaedics, essential for those pursuing a career in this subspecialty.
• AdventHealth Tampa and others: Additional training sites such as Brandon Regional Hospital foster an extensive educational environment for diverse clinical experiences.

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Curriculum Structure

The residency program has a structured curriculum with rotations throughout various subspecialties:

• PGY 1: Focus is laid on building foundational knowledge and skills through rotations in general orthopaedics, trauma, surgical skills labs, and other surgical specialties, enhancing practical surgical techniques early in training.
• PGY 2: Residents are exposed to each orthopaedic surgical subspecialty, increasing their understanding and proficiency in specific fields while undertaking 12 rotations.
• PGY 3: Emphasis on building surgical skills and autonomy, with increased responsibilities in managing patients and educating more junior residents.
• PGY 4 & PGY 5: Senior years involve leadership roles, where residents prepare for fellowship applications, exceed in clinical proficiency across the orthopaedic spectrum, and engage in complex cases.

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Didactics and Research Training

The program’s academic curriculum promotes a robust learning environment with a comprehensive didactic series, including:

• Core Lectures and Grand Rounds: Weekly lectures encourage critical thinking and active participation among residents.
• Journal Clubs: These informal gatherings allow residents to discuss and review contemporary research articles.
• Research Opportunities: Dedicated research blocks in PGY 2 and PGY 4 foster scholarly productivity, supporting projects that culminate in publications and presentations at national meetings.

The program integrates access to the Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education (FORE) for significant research involvement, providing residents with resources to conduct meaningful studies in orthopaedics.

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Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The USF Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Program is highly competitive, with a limited number of positions available each year. Applicants must possess a strong medical school record, relevant research experience, and strong letters of recommendation. Specific application requirements include:

• Graduation from an accredited medical school.
• Submission of all relevant documents through the designated application process by specified deadlines.
• Preference may be given to applicants with demonstrated interest in orthopaedics through previous clinical or research experiences.

Moreover, the program welcomes both DO and IMG candidates and actively supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, making it an inclusive option for diverse applicants.

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Unique Aspects

One of the distinguished elements of the USF Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Program is its collaboration with the Florida Orthopaedic Institute. This partnership fosters exceptional quality in education, research, and clinical practice. Additionally, the program offers access to cutting-edge facilities such as FIVE Labs, which provide hands-on bioskills training critical for modern surgical techniques.

The program's mentorship approach emphasizes the resident’s personal and professional development, playing a central role in shaping future leaders in orthopaedic surgery.

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