Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell at Huntington Hospital Program

The Residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Huntington Hospital is a five-year program fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), designed to provide comprehensive training in orthopedic surgery. Trainees are provided with a robust clinical and educational framework to develop into proficient orthopedic surgeons. The curriculum complies with the competencies mandated by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and covers essential areas including adult and pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, fracture management, trauma surgery, hand and foot surgery, rehabilitation, and fundamental orthopedic sciences. Emphasis is also placed on sports medicine, trauma, pathology of bone tumors, total joint replacement, reconstructive surgery, and rheumatology, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares residents for various challenges in orthopedic practice.

Residents are immersed in a diverse learning environment, receiving hands-on experience in various specialties across multiple training sites. This includes opportunities to work on orthopedic oncology and pediatric orthopedics at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and trauma case exposure at North Shore University Hospital's Level 1 Trauma Center. Additionally, residents can engage in research at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, enhancing their academic profile and contributing to the field.

Curriculum Overview

The residency program is structured across five years:

• PGY-1: General Orthopedic Surgery (6 months), Surgical ICU (1 month), Medical ICU (1 month), Emergency Medicine (1 month), Internal Medicine (1 month), General Surgery (1 month), Trauma Surgery (1 month).
• PGY-2: General Orthopedic Surgery - Huntington Hospital (4 months), LIJ Valley Stream Hospital (4 months), Orthopedic Trauma - North Shore University Hospital (2 months).
• PGY-3: General Ortho - Huntington Hospital (2 months), Orthopedic Trauma (2 months), Sports (2 months), and Pediatrics (2 months).
• PGY-4: Pediatric Orthopedics (2 months), Orthopedic Trauma (2 months), Spine (2 months), and completion of other general and specialty rotations.
• PGY-5: Advanced rotations including Orthopedic Trauma and Clinical electives.

Didactics and Conferences

Didactic education is critical within the program, which includes weekly education conferences, journal clubs, cadaver labs, and specific specialty conferences. Residents participate actively in weekly Orthopedic Service Line Indications Conferences, reviewing operative indications and enhancing their clinical reasoning skills. The program ensures that residents have access to crucial educational materials and courses sponsored by the residency to support their academic endeavors, including board-review courses for graduating residents.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research with faculty who are leaders in their fields. Residents often collaborate on clinical diagnosis, outcomes, and biomechanical studies related to orthopedic surgery. The relationship with the Feinstein Institute allows residents to utilize resources, set deadlines, and develop IRB proposals for research projects that align with their personal interests. Many residents also have the opportunity to present their findings at national meetings.

Application Requirements

The application process for the residency program requires prospective applicants to submit several essential documents including the common application form, curriculum vitae, USMLE or COMLEX transcripts, medical school transcripts, personal statement, dean's letter, and three letters of recommendation not older than six months. Research experience, publications, and active involvement in the medical field are favorable. The program is open to all applicants; however, candidates with Osteopathic degrees and International Medical Graduates are also encouraged to apply, promoting a friendly and inclusive environment.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible applicants. This typically includes support for J-1 and H-1B visas, enabling International Medical Graduates and other foreign medical applicants to participate in the residency program.

Competitiveness

The residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Huntington Hospital is characterized as competitive, attracting candidates who demonstrate commitment, teamwork, and a dedication to improving orthopedic care. The rigorous training and the sophisticated educational environment contribute to the program's reputation, and applicants are encouraged to present compelling applications that reflect their passion and readiness for advanced orthopedic training.

Additional Training Sites

Residents benefit from diverse training experiences across several affiliated hospitals including North Shore University Hospital's Level 1 Trauma Center, Cohen Children's Medical Center, and Plainview Hospital, which specialize in various key areas of orthopedics. Each site enhances the clinical experience, making residents well-rounded practitioners prepared for any future endeavors in orthopedic surgery.