University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga Program

Chattanooga, TN

University YOG 1 STEP 243 - 270 Research Focused

Specialty:Orthopaedic surgery

ACGME Code:2604711164

NRMP Code:1689260C0

Status:Continued Accreditation

Overview

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga is a comprehensive five-year training program that commences at the PGY-1 level, offering three positions at each level. The program is structured to provide rigorous training in both adult and pediatric orthopaedic surgery, preparing residents to become skilled orthopaedic surgeons.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery sponsors a one-year Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship for residents who have successfully completed an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency. This fellowship emphasizes advanced clinical excellence in orthopaedic trauma.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum is designed with both clinical and didactic elements. The PGY-1 rotations consist of:

Four months of surgical training, including trauma
Six months in orthopaedic surgery
Two months of additional rotations aligned with Residency Review Committee directives
Focused Surgical Skills Training, as dictated by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

The subsequent years up to PGY-5 offer clinical training across various subspecialties, including:

Arthroplasty
Foot and Ankle Surgery
Hand Surgery
Musculoskeletal Oncology
Pediatric Orthopaedics
Spine Surgery
Shoulder/Elbow Surgery
Sports Medicine
Trauma Surgery

Didactic education includes five hours of weekly conferences, participation in a monthly journal club, and attendance at courses aimed at expanding orthopaedic knowledge. Chief residents have the opportunity to attend the AAOS Annual Meeting, enhancing their professional development.

Training Sites

Residents are integrated into the Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Centers, providing invaluable experience in high-acuity environments. The Department’s Surgical Skills and Simulation Lab is a critical resource for developing foundational skills, particularly during the PGY-1 year. Residents benefit from access to specialized facilities, including a dedicated arthroscopic lab, where practical skills are honed using state-of-the-art equipment.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages participation in research activities, providing residents with the opportunity to engage in studies that enhance the field of orthopaedics. Notably, the department is affiliated with Erlanger Health, which has achieved the Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation, reflecting its commitment to high-quality orthopaedic care.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

This residency program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates, facilitating J-1 and H-1B visa applications. The competitiveness of the program underscores its appeal among applicants, with several factors ensuring inclusivity for DO and IMG candidates. Applicants from diverse medical backgrounds are encouraged to apply, recognizing the program’s inclusive environment.

Specific application requirements necessitate participation in the National Residency Matching Program and the AAMC's Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). It is critical for applicants to maintain an excellent academic record; the program typically seeks candidates with no more than one failed Step exam to ensure that residents are well-prepared for the rigorous training.

Resident Life

The program fosters a supportive environment while also encouraging residents to develop a healthy work-life balance. Past graduate outcomes indicate a successful track record of securing competitive fellowships in various specialties following completion of the residency. Examples include those pursuing advanced subspecialist training in sports medicine, hand surgery, and trauma.

This multifaceted training coupled with extensive mentoring provides residents with the tools to excel in their future careers as orthopaedic surgeons.

Web sources

1. Orthopaedic Surgery Overview 2. Orthopaedic Leadership and Contacts 3. Curriculum Guidelines PDF 4. Orthopaedic Guidelines PDF 5. Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty 6. Chattanooga Trauma Surgery Fellowship 7. Orthopaedic Graduates 8. Orthopaedic Residents 9. Links and Resources 10. Applicant Information 11. Orthopaedic Surgery Rotations

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Program data

ACGME History ^[3]

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026

Initial accreditation0

Full accreditation0

Continued27

Warning0

Probationary Accreditation0

Withdrawal0

#	Academic Year	Status	Effective Date
01	2000 - 2001	Continued Full Accreditation	Jun 1, 1998
02	2001 - 2002	Continued Full Accreditation	Jun 1, 1998
03	2002 - 2003	Continued Full Accreditation	Jan 10, 2003
04	2003 - 2004	Continued Full Accreditation	Jan 10, 2003
05	2004 - 2005	Continued Full Accreditation	Jan 10, 2003
06	2005 - 2006	Continued Full Accreditation	Jan 10, 2003
07	2006 - 2007	Continued	Jan 13, 2007
08	2007 - 2008	Continued	Jan 13, 2007
09	2008 - 2009	Continued	Jan 13, 2007
10	2009 - 2010	Continued	Jan 13, 2007

Program

Program Size

3, 3, 3, 3, 3 (5 years)^[1]

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

(Effective: January 9, 2026)

Composition ^[2]

MD · 100%

Training

Fellowship Rate:89%^[2]

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:1.1X^[1]

Residents Career Path ^[2]

Full-time Practice · 11%

Fellowship · 89%

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: 15 days^[1]

First Year Paid Vacation: 15 days^[1]

First Year Salary: $59,692^[1]

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours ^[1]

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours^[1]

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: 243–270^[2]

Visa Sponsorship:--^[2]

YOG Cutoff:1^[1]

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Incoming Schools

13%

University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine

13%

Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

13%

University of Mississippi School of Medicine

More than 1 school has this rank*

Incoming Schools % Tree Map

Rotation Duration by Site

Rotation Duration Chart Data

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