University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System is a comprehensive five-year training program fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program aims to cultivate skilled orthopedic surgeons through an environment that balances rigorous academic training and practical clinical experience.

The program accepts all positions via the National Resident Matching Program and does not offer out-of-match positions. Applications are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with deadlines set from the open date until September 29 for interview rounds that occur in late November and January.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 by October 1, with Step 2 Clinical Knowledge completion by the time the rank list is due. Importantly, there are no postgraduate training prerequisites, making it accessible to recent graduates.

Visa Support

The program sponsors J1 visas under the Alien Physician Program, which is particularly designed for residents who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This visa type is crucial for international medical graduates seeking a residency in this program.

Competitiveness

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program is characterized by its competitive nature. It attracts a diverse pool of applicants, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) students. The program promotes inclusivity while maintaining a high standard for applicant qualifications.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is rich and varied, with residents undergoing training across a broad spectrum of orthopedic surgery disciplines. The program features a well-structured two-phase training structure:

• PGY-1 (Internship Year): This foundational year includes rotations in various surgical specialties such as General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma, and Musculoskeletal Oncology. It emphasizes the development of basic surgical skills.
• PGY-2 to PGY-5: Subsequent years focus exclusively on orthopedic training, covering essential areas like adult reconstruction, hand surgery, sports medicine, and trauma, among others. Residents also partake in a dedicated research rotation in PGY-4, with opportunities to present at national meetings.

Call Schedule and Rotations

The call schedule is strategically designed to ensure comprehensive clinical exposure while maintaining a manageable work-life balance. In-house coverage responsibilities are primarily managed by PGY-2s and PGY-3s, with senior residents participating in chief call rotations from home. This structure allows for ample learning opportunities while fostering teamwork and collaboration among residents.

Training Sites

Training occurs across several prestigious institutions within the Miami area, significantly enhancing the residents’ exposure to diverse patient populations and complex cases. Key training sites include:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital: A Level I trauma center.
• Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Offers additional experience in general orthopedics.
• Nicklaus Children’s Hospital: Focuses on pediatrics.
• UHealth Tower: Provides access to advanced orthopedic cases.
• Ryder Trauma Center: Specializes in treating high-acuity trauma cases.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in various research projects, supported by faculty mentorship. A dedicated research rotation allows residents to delve into clinical comparative effectiveness research, biomechanical studies, and educational theory, among others. This fosters a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement within the field of orthopedics.

Board Pass Rate and Outcomes

The program boasts a remarkable board pass rate of 97.14%, highlighting its effectiveness in preparing residents for their futures in orthopedic surgery.

Faculty and Alumni Network

Residents train under a diverse faculty, many of whom are leaders in their subspecialties. The alumni network is extensive, with graduates successfully placing in esteemed fellowship programs and institutions across the country.