Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program in Hand Surgery, specializing in Plastic Surgery, is designed to provide advanced training and comprehensive education in hand surgery. This program is committed to equipping residents with both the clinical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this demanding field.

Program Overview

The residency encompasses training that spans multiple facilities located within immediate walking distance on the Kingshighway campus. This proximity allows for a cohesive learning environment and easy access to diverse medical resources. The residents engage in a mixture of didactic learning and hands-on clinical training, which prepares them for a variety of surgical and non-surgical hand conditions.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum encompasses a comprehensive range of hand surgery topics and conditions, including but not limited to: carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, fractures of the hand and wrist, congenital hand differences, and traumatic injuries.

The training is structured to include rotations that provide exposure to different surgical techniques, rehabilitation protocols, and innovative practices in hand surgery. Notably, residents will learn about WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) procedures, which can significantly benefit patient outcomes in specific cases.

Training Sites

Residents will receive training at three primary sites: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University’s Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Each site offers a unique perspective, focusing on adult and pediatric care, respectively. This multidisciplinary approach ensures adequate exposure to both common and complex hand surgery cases.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the integration of research into clinical practice. Residents are encouraged to partake in innovative research initiatives aimed at improving surgical techniques, postoperative care, and overall patient outcomes. The collaborative research environment is further enriched by an accomplished faculty dedicated to mentoring residents in scientific discovery. This includes opportunities to present findings at national conferences and publish research in prestigious medical journals.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Hand Surgery Fellowship program is considered to be highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including US and international medical graduates. The program is known for being friendly toward DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) and IMG (International Medical Graduate) applicants. However, candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance and clinical experience.

Special application requirements may include the year of graduation and limits on the number of failed STEP (United States Medical Licensing Examination) attempts, ensuring that only those with a robust foundation in medical knowledge can join this prestigious fellowship.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for eligible international applicants. It notably sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating participation for international medical graduates who fulfill the program's application criteria.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A unique highlight of the Hand Surgery fellowship is the emphasis on collaborative learning. Residents will often meet with both their surgeons and therapists during the same appointment, streamlining communication and patient care. This model promotes a cohesive approach to treatment, ensuring that surgical interventions are complemented by appropriate rehabilitation strategies.

This program also places a strong emphasis on community engagement and service, providing residents with opportunities to participate in outreach programs that educate the public on hand health and injury prevention.