University of Utah Health Program
Location:
Salt Lake City, UTSpecialty:
Orthopaedic surgeryACGME Code:
2604931034NRMP Program Code:
1732260C0The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City provides an extensive and immersive experience for medical trainees aspiring to become experts in the field of orthopaedic surgery. The program is distinguished by its renowned faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and access to diverse clinical training environments.
Program Overview
The program offers a five-year residency that features a robust educational experience focused on developing the next generation of orthopaedic leaders. Residents are trained in various specialities across multiple facilities located within a mile radius, ensuring exposure to a wide range of patient populations and clinical cases. These facilities include the University of Utah Hospital, Primary Children's Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and the Veteran Affairs Medical Center1.
Clinical Training
Residents benefit from an extensive clinical curriculum that incorporates outpatient clinics, operating room experience, and emergency department responsibilities. The clinical training is designed to enhance residents’ competency and independence, with supervision tailored to individual capabilities. In the residency program, clinical responsibilities align with the level of training, ensuring progressive learning and increasing involvement as residents advance through the years3.
Rotations
The curriculum includes rotations in trauma, reconstructive surgery, pediatric orthopaedics, sports medicine, oncology, spine, and hand surgery. Additionally, residents participate in both operative and non-operative cases, gaining experience that will be pivotal for their future career endeavors7.
Research and Scholarly Activity
Research is a critical component of the residency program, with opportunities for residents to engage in clinical and basic science projects. Each resident is required to complete a research project prior to graduation, providing the necessary foundation for their academic careers. The program promotes mentorship relationships, allowing residents to work closely with faculty on projects that enhance their research skills and knowledge base10.
Conferences and Didactics
The program includes weekly didactic conferences led by faculty members to cover all facets of orthopaedic surgery. These conferences are complemented by cadaver sessions, trauma series, and specialty conferences, providing a comprehensive educational framework to strengthen clinical practice and surgical skills5.
Program Highlights
Residents have demonstrated exceptional performance metrics, including a top percentile ranking nationally on Orthopaedic In-Training Examinations and significant rates of success in obtaining postgraduate fellowship placements. Additional programming benefits include funding for research-related travel, educational stipends for conference attendance, and the opportunity for outreach in underserved areas during elective rotations4.
Support and Healthcare Benefits
The program provides competitive salary and benefits to support residents during their training years. These include healthcare benefits, retirement options, and opportunities for additional funding for humanitarian efforts, enhancing the overall residency experience6.
Visa Support
The University of Utah Health Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program offers visa support for international medical graduates. The program is equipped to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, enabling eligible candidates to pursue residency opportunities without visa-related barriers.
Special Application Requirements
The program has specific application requirements notably focused on recent graduates, considering applicants from varied backgrounds including M.D.s and D.O.s. Additionally, there is a limit on the number of failed STEP exams prior to applying, allowing for a more competitive selection of candidates. These criteria ensure that selected applicants align well with the program's rigorous standards.
Competitiveness of the Program
The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Utah is highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants nationally and internationally. The selection process emphasizes not only academic performance but also a commitment to orthopaedic surgery and hands-on experience.
Website
Director
David Rothberg, MDAssociate Professor Appointed Since July 2018Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
80hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$62,588First Year Paid Vacation:
15 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
Unlimited daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
100%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Match History
1732260C0
2024
6 of 62023
6 of 62022
6 of 62021
6 of 62020
6 of 6Location
Salt Lake City, UT
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Salt Lake City, UT
- Crime Rate and Safety: Salt Lake City has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major U.S. cities. The city is generally safe, but like any urban area, it's advisable to take precautions, especially in certain neighborhoods.
- Fun Activities: Salt Lake City offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities thanks to its proximity to mountains and national parks. Residents can enjoy skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The city also has cultural attractions like museums, theaters, and a vibrant dining scene.
- Climate: Salt Lake City has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with snowfall in winter and warm temperatures in summer.
- Races and Population: Salt Lake City has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
- Education: Salt Lake City offers excellent educational opportunities with top-ranked schools and universities in the area. Residents have access to quality education from elementary school through higher education.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Salt Lake City is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in the U.S. Housing costs, utilities, and groceries are generally affordable, although prices have been increasing in recent years.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Salt Lake City is a few hours' drive away from larger urban centers like Las Vegas (about 6 hours), Denver (about 8 hours), and Phoenix (about 10 hours). This allows residents to take weekend trips to explore these cities.
- Pros: Outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse population, good educational options, moderate cost of living.
- Cons: Cold winters, potential air quality issues, some neighborhoods may have higher crime rates.
Interview Questions
