University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga Program

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.