Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Program

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell is designed as a comprehensive five-year training program that prioritizes foundational education in orthopedic surgery, complemented by a robust emphasis on clinical and basic science research. This program is notable for bringing together nationally recognized clinicians across numerous orthopedic subspecialties, which include sports medicine, shoulder surgery, spine surgery, adult primary and revision reconstruction, hand surgery, pediatric surgery, trauma, foot and ankle surgery, and orthopedic oncology.

The residency is primarily conducted at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) and Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC), with specialized training in pediatric orthopedics offered at the Cohen Children’s Medical Center located on the Long Island Jewish Medical Center campus. Additionally, residents benefit from supplemental training at the prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, focusing on musculoskeletal neoplasms.

Training Sites

The program's core sites include:

• North Shore University Hospital: This institution is recognized among the best hospitals in the region by U.S. News & World Report.
• Long Island Jewish Medical Center: This center is a cornerstone of Northwell Health, offering a comprehensive range of healthcare services for all ages.
• Cohen Children's Medical Center: Dedicated to providing exceptional care for children from premature infants to adolescents, this facility is a Level I trauma center.

Residents gain extensive hands-on surgical experience, participating in high-volume programs and gaining direct patient care experience under supervised environments. The Sports Medicine Program, for instance, serves athletes of various levels and includes serving as team physicians for professional sports teams.

Curriculum Structure

The residency curriculum is structured to provide a progressively increasing level of responsibility. During the first year (PGY-1), residents primarily train at the LIJMC, with rotations that include six months in orthopedic surgery, three months in surgery, and three months in other relevant specialties. In subsequent years (PGY-2 to PGY-5), training focuses exclusively on orthopedic surgery across multiple settings, including inpatient and outpatient environments.

The rotations are comprehensive, covering areas such as:

• Plastic Surgery: 1 month
• Surgical Intensive Care: 1 month
• Vascular Surgery: 1 month
• General Surgery: 2 months
• Pediatric Surgery: 1 month
• Orthopedic Surgery: 6 months

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research from the onset of their training. The Orthopedic Research Laboratory (ORL) is part of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, featuring advanced facilities for tissue engineering and molecular biology. The program supports residents in publishing and presenting their findings, with access to extensive research resources and mentorship.

Application Process

Applications to the Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program require submission through the electronic residency application service (ERAS). Key documents needed include:

• Common application
• Personal statement detailing training motivation at Northwell Health
• USMLE transcript
• Medical school transcript
• Dean’s letter (MSPE)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae
• Photo (optional)

Eligibility and Special Considerations

The program supports international graduates and sponsors visas, including J-1 and H-1B visas. Applicants are required to have graduated from medical school within a specified timeframe; however, specific details regarding the maximum number of failed STEP exams may vary based on the application cycle. The program is regarded as competitive, welcoming both MD and DO candidates, in addition to international medical graduates.

Resident Life and Benefits

Resident life within the program is designed to balance rigorous academic and clinical duties with personal well-being. Housing applications are managed by the residency program, with provisions for a housing stipend if on-site accommodations are unavailable. Benefits include a competitive salary, meal allowances, and financial assistance for conferences and workshops.

Additional resources such as wellness programs, mentorship opportunities, and social activities support resident camaraderie and community building. Notably, the emphasis on work-life balance ensures that residents thrive both professionally and personally during their residency training.