UPMC Medical Education Program

The Hand Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is an ACGME-accredited, one-year fellowship focused on hand and upper extremity surgery. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive and advanced training experience in various aspects of hand surgery, including microsurgery. It is a collaborative effort between the Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgery Services and the Hand & Upper Ex Center, which enriches the educational experience and facilitates exposure to both skeletal and soft tissue components of hand surgery.

The fellowship is open to candidates who have completed residency training in Plastic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, or General Surgery accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Duration and Scope

The fellowship lasts for a full year during which fellows gain increasing responsibility and experience in all areas of shoulder, elbow, and hand surgery, including microsurgical techniques. Trainees will engage in a variety of clinical experiences distributed across both an academic institution and a private surgery center. The program offers seven positions available for matched candidates seeking to immerse themselves in both essential and advanced surgical procedures.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is comprehensive and includes participation in didactic lectures, joint conferences, and journal clubs with fellows from both the Hand Surgery Fellowship and the Orthopaedic Hand Fellowship. The clinical responsibilities involve performing surgical procedures at a state-of-the-art freestanding surgery center as well as complex upper extremity reconstructions at the University Health Center of Pittsburgh. Each fellow will be trained by a dedicated faculty, with expertise and a Certificate of Added Qualifications in hand surgery.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are expected to undertake at least one clinical research project resulting in presentation and publication during the fellowship year. Significant opportunities for basic and applied science research are also available, particularly for those interested in conducting research in esteemed laboratories connected with the program. Fellows will have access to nationally recognized facilities and mentors who guide their research interests.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Hand Surgery Fellowship is a highly competitive program. Applicants are generally expected to possess strong academic credentials, including completion of relevant clinical training. As with many competitive fellowships, candidates must demonstrate professionalism, leadership skills, and a commitment to pursuing hand surgery.

Special application requirements typically include a completed application form, current CV, and letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director. There may also be an expectation regarding the maximum allowed number of failed STEP exams.

Visa Support

The UPMC Hand Surgery Fellowship Program offers visa support for international medical graduates. The program can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visa types for eligible fellows. This allowance facilitates a broader range of applicants to maximize the diversity and expertise among fellows.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One unique aspect of the fellowship is the collaborative training model, where the integration between two specialties allows fellows to learn from a diverse set of surgical approaches and philosophies. This structure enhances the educational experience and provides a well-rounded approach to solving complex surgical issues presented by patients.

The training environment is designed not only to develop surgical skills but also to cultivate leadership and academic proficiency in plastic surgery and hand surgery. By fostering collaboration and teamwork among fellows, residents, and faculty, the program promotes an innovative and supportive learning atmosphere.

Overall, the UPMC Hand Surgery Fellowship Program strives to prepare fellows for successful academic and clinical careers in hand surgery.