University of South Florida Morsani Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Training Program at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine provides an exceptional education experience rooted in a commitment to clinical excellence, education, and research. The program is structured to develop highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons prepared to meet the demands of the specialty.

Training Institutions

The program includes training at several prestigious institutions located around Tampa Bay, including:

• Tampa General Hospital (TGH): TGH is renowned and ranked among the top 50 hospitals in the nation for orthopaedics. It serves as the primary training site where residents engage heavily in trauma, foot and ankle, hand, and adult reconstruction surgeries.
• Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI): Established in 1989, FOI has grown significantly and now includes over 90 orthopedic physicians. The facility provides a wealth of resources for residents, including various subspecialty services.
• Moffitt Cancer Center: This center is recognized for its exceptional treatment in oncology, providing unique opportunities for residents in orthopaedic oncology.
• Brandon Regional Hospital and AdventHealth Tampa: Both facilities contribute to the residents' training in adult reconstructive surgery and surgical techniques.
• James A. Haley Veterans Administration Hospital: Located near the USF campus, this VA hospital offers residents experience with a unique patient demographic, including advanced-stage malignancies.
• All Children's Hospital: As a leading children’s hospital in Florida, it specializes in pediatric orthopaedic care, ensuring residents gain valuable experience working with young patients.

Curriculum Structure

The residency is a five-year program that consists of a structured curriculum emphasizing various areas within orthopaedic surgery:

• PGY 1: Foundation year exposing residents to general orthopaedics, surgery, musculoskeletal radiology, and trauma.
• PGY 2: Involves rotations through several subspecialty areas, including oncology, shoulder and elbow surgery, and pediatric orthopaedics.
• PGY 3: Offers continued exposure to subspecialties along with opportunities for independent procedures and developing research topics.
• PGY 4: Builds on prior knowledge while involving leading roles in teaching junior residents and exploring fellowship opportunities.
• PGY 5: Fulfills the responsibilities of a chief resident, ensuring advanced surgical competency and leadership roles.

Didactic Curriculum

The program integrates a robust didactic curriculum that enhances educational experiences:

• Core Lecture Series: Held weekly, focusing on comprehensive orthopedic education, including case discussions and preparation for examinations.
• Grand Rounds: Monthly presentations by residents and faculty that foster an environment of discussion and knowledge sharing.
• Journal Clubs: Encourage residents to stay current with the literature and engage in academic discourse.
• Anatomy Labs: Faculty-led cadaver labs complement hands-on skills training crucial for surgical competence.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes scholarly research as integral to residency training, with dedicated research blocks. Residents are involved in a variety of projects from basic science to clinical trials, contributing towards publications in reputable journals. Access to facilities like the Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education (FORE) enhances residents' research capabilities with support from clinical researchers and statisticians.

Competitiveness and Application Criteria

The orthopaedic surgery residency program is known for being highly competitive. Applicants typically are required to have graduated from an accredited medical school, and strong performance in prior academic and research experiences is essential. Additional application specifics may include limits on the number of failed STEP exams and other academic metrics, emphasizing the necessity for a high caliber of candidates.

Visa Support

The program provides support for international medical graduates, offering sponsorship for applicable visa types, including J-1 and H-1B visums, which are commonly used for medical training programs.

Conclusion

In summary, the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine is purposefully designed to nurture the next generation of orthopaedic leaders through rigorous training, comprehensive didactic education, extensive research opportunities, and an environment fostering academic excellence, compassion, and collaborative practice.