Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive five-year training program that prepares residents for a career in orthopaedic surgery. This program encompasses an array of clinical experiences, from managing routine fractures to addressing complex musculoskeletal cases, all under the guidance of highly trained faculty.

Clinical Training and Rotations

During the residency, which admits five residents annually, trainees engage in rotations that cover all subspecialties of orthopaedic surgery. Upon entering the program, residents spend their first year as categorical interns, participating in rotations that include general surgery, emergency medicine, plastic surgery, clinical orthopaedic surgery, and orthopaedic research. In the subsequent years (PGY2 to PGY5), residents engage exclusively in orthopaedic surgery rotations focusing on subspecialties including pediatric orthopaedic surgery, orthopaedic oncology, foot and ankle surgery, trauma surgery, total joint arthroplasty, sports medicine, hand surgery, and spinal surgery.

The clinical experience is primarily conducted at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, a Level I trauma center, along with rotations at specialized facilities such as Brenner Children’s Hospital and the Veterans Affairs Hospital. These rotations provide a broad clinical experience and exposure to various cases and patient demographics, bolstering residents' educational foundations and surgical skills (1).

Curriculum Overview

The Wake Forest Orthopaedic Surgery residency curriculum is meticulously designed to ensure residents develop into competent, independently practicing orthopaedic surgeons. Residents rotate through each subspecialty twice during their training, once as a junior and once as a senior resident, allowing for continuous learning and perspective development. The program also emphasizes critical research development, providing a dedicated research rotation in the intern year and one day per week for research focus during PGY3 and PGY4 (4).

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral component of residency training at Wake Forest. The program offers a unique opportunity to engage in both clinical and basic science research. Residents are supported through the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory and can participate in a two-year Physician Scientist Training Program, working towards a PhD while securing their residency position later. Past resident projects have included investigations into orthopaedic tissue engineering and clinical trials in trauma techniques, showcasing a commitment to both education and innovative advancements in the field (1).

Application Process

Prior to application, candidates should note that only five residents are accepted annually. Applications must be submitted via ERAS and include essential documents such as USMLE Step scores, medical school transcripts, and letters of recommendation addressed to the program director. Importantly, all applicants must complete the program-specific supplemental application to be considered for interview positions. As for international medical graduates, ECFMG certification is required (5).

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program is favorable towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers visa sponsorship for appropriate visa types, including J-1 and H-1B visas, which can be essential for foreign applicants seeking to complete their residency training in the US. In terms of competitiveness, the program has clear standards and expectations outlined for applicants, which may include considerations for academic performance and extracurricular achievements.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinctive aspect of the Wake Forest University Orthopaedic Surgery Residency lies in its robust support for resident well-being and work-life balance. The program abides by the ACGME's 80-hour work week policy and prioritizes the health of its residents, ensuring they have time for personal management and recovery. Residents also benefit from a culture of camaraderie and support that promotes collaboration and mutual growth.

Winston-Salem, known as the "City of Arts," provides an appealing environment with a range of cultural, culinary, and recreational activities, making it an attractive location for both personal and professional development, further enhanced by proximity to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains (1, 4, 6, 7).