Valley Consortium for Medical Education Program
Location:
Modesto, CASpecialty:
Orthopaedic surgeryACGME Code:
2600500222NRMP Program Code:
1444260C0The Valley Consortium for Medical Education Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program in Modesto is dedicated to fostering exceptional orthopedic physicians equipped with comprehensive medical knowledge and outstanding compassion. The program emphasizes high professional standards in clinicians, scholars, and leaders, while addressing the health needs of a vulnerable population in an underserved area.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the program is structured to offer a broad-based general orthopedic training that enables graduates to practice independently post-residency. Beginning with the intern year, residents engage in hands-on orthopedic experiences and gradually progress through various rotations. The curriculum includes:
- PGY-1: General Orthopedics, Trauma, Surgical ICU, Neurosurgery, and Emergency Medicine.
- PGY-2: Exposure to Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstruction.
- PGY-3: Pediatric Orthopedic training through Valley Children's Hospital.
- PGY-4: General Orthopedics and various elective sub-specialties.
- PGY-5: Leadership roles as Chief Resident with options for elective rotations in multiple orthopedic sub-specialties.
Training Sites
Training primarily occurs at two ACS-certified Level II trauma centers: Doctors Medical Center and San Joaquin General Hospital. These facilities provide significant exposure to diverse orthopedic injuries and include advanced surgical services that encompass neurosurgery and spine care. Additional rotations at various Kaiser Permanente medical centers enhance training in sports medicine and orthopedic oncology.
1Resident Benefits
Residents benefit from a comprehensive compensation package that includes:
- PGY-1 salary: $69,686.54
- PGY-2 salary: $73,170.87
- Health benefits for residents and affordable options for dependents
- Meal stipends, education funds, and travel reimbursements for clinical sites.
- Four weeks of paid vacation annually.
Research Opportunities
The program offers a paid one-year research fellowship that allows a resident to gain experience in clinical research management alongside faculty and peers. The research fellow participates in various projects, contributes to presentations, and can attend conferences and Grand Rounds, aiming to enhance their research skills and strengthen their residency application.
13Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The program is highly competitive, seeking candidates with strong academic performance. Applicants are advised to achieve at least a COMLEX Level 2 score of 600 or a USMLE Step 2 score of 250 prior to interview selection. All applications must be submitted through ERAS. Due to changes in the scoring of COMLEX and USMLE exams, candidates are expected to completed their Step/Level 2 exams by November 2024.
6Visa Support
The program provides comprehensive visa support for international medical graduates. It is capable of sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible applicants. This enables qualified international candidates to apply and train within the residency program.
1Unique Aspects
Participants in the program gain exposure to a broad surgical pathology and utilize state-of-the-art surgical services. The Valley Orthopedic Surgery Residency program consistently achieves scores above the 95th percentile nationally in the Orthopedic In-Training Exam (OITE), showcasing its educational success.
7Website
- 1 .VCME Orthopedic Surgery Residency
- 2 .Financial Resources | Doctors Medical Center Modesto
- 3 .General 1 — VCME Orthopedic Surgery Residency
- 4 .Curriculum Overview | VCME Orthopedic Surgery Residency
- 5 .Benefits for Residents - VCME Orthopedic Surgery Residency
- 6 .Application Information | VCME Orthopedic Surgery Residency
Director
William Holmes, MDProgram Director/DMC Site Director/Trauma Appointed Since December 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
-First year max cons. hours on duty:
-First Year Salary:
$69,686First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
12 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
43%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
-Residents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
1Match History
1444260C0
2024
3 of 32023
3 of 32022
3 of 32021
3 of 32020
3 of 3Location
Modesto, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Modesto, CA
Modesto, CA is a city located in the central valley of California. Here is a breakdown of various aspects of living in Modesto:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Modesto has a moderate crime rate compared to other cities in California. It's always recommended to take general safety precautions.
- Fun Activities: Modesto offers a variety of outdoor activities such as parks, museums, and cultural events. There are also shopping centers and dining options to explore.
- Climate: Modesto has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months.
- Races and Population: Modesto is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The population is around 200,000 people.
- Education: Modesto has several schools and colleges, providing educational opportunities for residents of all ages.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Modesto is lower than in many other California cities. Housing, groceries, and transportation costs are relatively affordable.
- Proximity to Big Cities: Modesto is located about 90 miles east of San Francisco and 70 miles south of Sacramento. Driving to San Francisco takes around 1.5-2 hours, while Sacramento is about an hour's drive away.
Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, proximity to major cities.
Cons: Moderate crime rate, hot summers.
Interview Questions
