University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program
Location:
Frisco, TXSpecialty:
Orthopaedic sports medicineACGME Code:
2684826134The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at Frisco offers a comprehensive five-year residency training structured to develop proficient orthopaedic surgeons. The program emphasizes a balance of clinical experience, surgical proficiency, and scholarly activity across a variety of orthopaedic subspecialties.
Residency Training Areas
The core of the residency program is based at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, alongside its Outpatient Building. Here, residents participate in a diverse range of surgeries, including total joint replacements, hand and foot surgeries, sports medicine, and post-traumatic reconstruction, all under the supervision of distinguished faculty members from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.1
Additional training occurs at various affiliated sites: 2 3
- Parkland Health & Hospital System: Residents engage in trauma and elective surgeries, gaining hands-on experience in emergency medical care.
- Children's Health: Serving as the primary pediatric teaching facility, residents are exposed to pediatric orthopaedics, treating a spectrum of musculoskeletal disorders.
- Scottish Rite for Children: Pediatric patients receive comprehensive care, allowing residents to work alongside renowned faculty in advanced reconstruction procedures.
- Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Residents gain experience in adult reconstruction and general elective orthopaedic surgery in a teaching hospital setting.
- Zale Lipshy Pavilion: Focused on spine surgeries, this facility enriches the residency training.
This integration across prominent medical facilities ensures a well-rounded training curriculum.
Required PGY Rotations
The residency program features defined rotations to ensure broad clinical exposure:4
- PGY 1: Six months in General Surgery and six months in Orthopaedic Surgery.
- PGY 2: Focus on trauma, reconstruction, sports, and hand surgery rotations at Parkland Hospital.
- PGY 3: Pediatric orthopaedic surgery at Scottish Rite for Children and Children's Health.
- PGY 4: Continuing trauma and specialized surgeries at Parkland Hospital.
- PGY 5: Includes trauma service, elective rotations, and international experiences in places like New Zealand and Switzerland.
This structured pathway is designed to prepare residents for the exigencies of independent practice.
Research Opportunities
Residents are encouraged to participate in research opportunities through collaboration with faculty and existing projects. The program's affiliation with multiple hospitals supports active research initiatives, allowing residents to contribute to advancements in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine disciplines.5
Application Information
The application process is highly competitive. All candidates must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Key application requirements include:6
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2024
- Three letters of recommendation (up to four accepted)
- Medical school transcript
- Dean’s letter
- USMLE Part I scores (Part II completed prior to residency commencement)
The program is open to both U.S. and international medical graduates. It is recognized for being friendly towards DO graduates and IMGs, thereby promoting diversity within the residency cohort.
Visa Sponsorship
The program offers visa support for eligible international applicants. The primary visa types available for sponsorship include the J-1 Visa for exchange visitors and the H-1B Visa for specialty occupations.7
Unique Aspects of the Program
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center distinguishes itself through a curriculum designed not only for surgical training but also for fostering strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills among its residents. The program's partnership with leading hospitals and the opportunity to work under renowned faculty provide residents with a unique vantage point in the field of orthopaedics. This is complemented by a commitment to education through various conferences, symposiums, and grand rounds that residents are obliged to attend.8
Website
Director
Henry B Ellis, MDProgram Director, Staff Sports Medicine Surgeon & Attending Appointed Since July 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
15hrsFirst Year Salary:
$70,000First Year Paid Vacation:
25 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
Unlimited daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Frisco, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Frisco, TX
- Crime Rate and Safety:
Frisco is considered a safe city with a low crime rate compared to national averages. The community is actively involved in neighborhood safety initiatives, contributing to a sense of security among residents.
- Fun Activities:
Frisco offers a variety of recreational activities, including parks, sports complexes, and cultural venues. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Frisco Freedomfest and the Arts in the Square. Additionally, shopping centers like The Stonebriar Centre and a variety of restaurants provide entertainment options.
- Climate:
Frisco experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures can reach into the high 90s °F, while winter temperatures typically range from the mid-30s to the low 50s °F.
- Race and Population:
Frisco has a diverse population with a mix of ethnicities and cultures. As of the latest census, the population is approximately 200,000, and the demographic includes significant representation from Asian, Hispanic, and African American communities.
- Education:
The city is served by several highly rated public and private schools, along with access to community colleges and universities. The strong emphasis on education is reflected in the performance of local schools, which often rank among the top in the state.
- Cost of Living:
Frisco's cost of living is higher than the national average, particularly in housing, which can be a consideration for residents. However, the overall quality of life, including amenities and community services, balances out the cost.
- Bigger Cities Nearby:
Frisco is located approximately 30 miles (about a 30-minute drive) north of Dallas. Dallas offers a vibrant urban atmosphere with extensive cultural attractions, dining options, and entertainment. Another nearby city, Plano, is just a short drive away (around 15 minutes) and provides additional shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities.
- Pros:
- Family-friendly, with excellent schools and low crime rates.
- Diverse cultural activities and a strong sense of community.
- Proximity to larger cities for additional amenities.
- Cons:
- Higher cost of living compared to the national average.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours.
- Summers can be overly hot and humid for some residents.
Interview Questions
