Wellstar Health System/Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center Program

Overview of the Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at Wellstar Kennestone

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience in orthopedic surgery. The program offers exposure to all eight subspecialty areas of orthopedics, ensuring that residents gain a vast array of knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career as a general orthopedist or orthopedic subspecialist.

The program is institutionally sponsored by Wellstar, with a strong academic backing from institutions such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, The Hand and Upper Extremity Center, and Emory University. This collaboration broadens the educational resources and clinical exposure available to each resident, enhancing their training in both surgical and non-surgical aspects of orthopedic care 1.

Program Structure

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured around progressive levels of responsibility and exposure through different stages of residency:

• PGY-1: Orthopedic surgery (6 months), surgical intensive care unit (1 month), vascular surgery (1 month), emergency medicine (1 month), general surgery (1 month), anesthesia (1 month, at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center), and physical medicine and rehabilitation (1 month, at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center).
• PGY-2: Trauma (6 months), foot and ankle (6 weeks), orthopedic spine (3 months), and general orthopedics (6 weeks).
• PGY-3: Adult reconstruction/arthroscopy (3 months), pediatric orthopedics (3 months), hand and upper extremity (3 months), research (1 month), and oncology (2 months).
• PGY-4: Orthopedic traumatology (3 months), pediatric orthopedics (3 months), shoulder and elbow (6 weeks), sports medicine (3 months).
• PGY-5: General orthopedics (3 months), hand and upper extremity (2 months), research (1 month), orthopedic traumatology (3 months), and electives (3 months).

Didactic sessions are held regularly, including trauma rounds and weekly lectures on various topics 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities and have access to facilities like the Anatomy/Arthroscopy Lab, set to open in November 2024. This lab will provide hands-on experience with cadavers for surgical skills training. There is also a VirtaMed arthroscopic simulator available for residents to develop their skills in various arthroscopic procedures 1.

Program Environment and Culture

Wellstar Kennestone fosters a supportive and collegial environment where residents are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. The program emphasizes teamwork and promotes a culture of respect, compassion, and encouragement. This approach aims to assist residents in building lasting relationships with patients while developing their surgical competencies and clinical skills.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Wellstar Kennestone is regarded as highly competitive. The program is committed to being DO/IMG-friendly, welcoming a diverse group of applicants from various backgrounds. Special application requirements include being a graduate or pending graduate of a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or an osteopathic medical school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The program does accept applications from international medical graduates (IMGs) who hold valid ECFMG certification, but they do not sponsor visas beyond J-1 visas for certain applicants 1.

Living and Working in Marietta

The Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center is strategically located in Marietta, Georgia, a vibrant community that is recognized for its rich history, friendly environment, and proximity to Atlanta.

Marietta boasts a lively downtown square with farmers markets, concerts, and various festivals, ensuring that residents have both work and leisure opportunities available. The area is known for recreational activities that range from outdoor adventures in the nearby mountains to cultural events in the city 1.