UPMC Medical Education/Hamot Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pennsylvania, offers a comprehensive and structured training experience for aspiring orthopaedic surgeons. The program is designed to cultivate clinical excellence, surgical skills, and a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system within a supportive environment.

The residency program focuses on providing detailed orthopaedic education through an intricately designed curriculum that encompasses diverse clinical experiences. The program is structured over five years, ensuring residents gain a broad exposure to various orthopaedic subspecialties.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at UPMC Hamot is divided into several key components over the five years:

Year One

Residents start with a fundamental year that includes rotations in Orthopaedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Internal Medicine, alongside practical training in Basic Surgical Skills and Neuro Intensive Care.

Year Two

The junior residents introduce encounters focused on Trauma ED, Spine, Adult Reconstruction, Hand/Upper Extremity, and Pediatrics, supplemented with Basic Science and Research rotations.

Year Three

During the third year, residents concentrate on Advanced Trauma/Sports, Foot & Ankle, and core disciplines such as Adult Reconstruction and Hand/Upper Extremity.

Year Four and Five

The final years allow senior residents to specialize further, emphasizing Hand/Upper Extremity, complex trauma, and various elective opportunities, ensuring comprehensive preparation for independent practice or further fellowship training.

Research Opportunities

The UPMC Hamot Orthopaedic Surgery Residency encourages residents to engage in research endeavors, offering dedicated time to pursue individual interests. Faculty mentorship is readily available, assisting residents in translating their academic curiosity into impactful research contributions.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the residency program, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements. The program selects three residents each year based on academic performances, recommendations, and interviews. Eligible applicants include graduates from:

• U.S. or Canadian LCME medical schools.
• U.S. colleges of osteopathic medicine accredited by the AOA.
• International medical schools with ECFMG certification or a full, unrestricted license to practice in the U.S.
• Candidates who have completed a fifth pathway program from an LCME accredited school.

The program maintains a competitive edge within the field, welcoming diverse educational backgrounds, including those of DOs and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who meet the defined standards.

Application Process

Applying to the program requires submission through ERAS, including vital components such as a personal statement, medical school transcripts, at least three letters of recommendation, and board scores. Interviews generally occur in January, and the deadline for application is October 31st.

Visa Support

The UPMC Hamot Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program provides visa sponsorship for international applicants. Typically, the program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, which facilitate the entry of qualified international medical graduates into the United States for training purposes.

Benefits and Compensation

Residents at UPMC Hamot enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical and dental insurance.
• 20 days of paid time off annually, along with sick leave.
• Professional assistance and education material support.
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement plans with employer matching.
• Additional resources like lab coats and on-call quarters.

Annual salary is aligned with standards set forth by UPMC Medical Education, ensuring competitive compensation for residents.

Current Residents

Current residents hail from prestigious institutions across the country, reflecting the program's commitment to recruiting high-caliber candidates. This exposure not only breeds a culture of excellence but also fosters camaraderie among diverse medical professionals.