Geisinger Health System (Danville) Program

Danville, PA
Specialty: Orthopaedic Surgery
ACGME Code: 2604122155

Geisinger Health System offers a comprehensive OrthopaedicSurgery Northeast Residency program, designed to cultivateexceptional orthopaedic surgeons through a unique educationalapproach while maintaining a strong commitment to patient care. Theprogram seeks to develop well-rounded, board-eligible physicianswho prioritize compassion in their practice.

Program Overview

The Geisinger Orthopaedic Surgery Northeast Residency spans fiveyears and accepts four PGY1 residents each year, starting July 1.The residency aims to foster personal and professional growth in anenvironment enriched with diverse clinical training experiences.The curriculum is built around Geisinger’s core values of kindness,excellence, learning, and innovation, ensuring that residents areequipped to learn alongside highly skilled faculty members fromvarious orthopaedic subspecialties, enhancing their understandingof comprehensive orthopaedic care.

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The unique preceptorship model allows residents to work closelywith attending physicians during dedicated three-month rotations,maximizing their surgical exposure and autonomy. The location ofthe residency in northeastern Pennsylvania exposes residents to awide patient demographic, including professional athletes and carefor communities in urban and rural settings. This diverse patientpopulation is supported by two busy Level II trauma centers,allowing residents to experience a variety of clinical cases.

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Curriculum Structure

The residency curriculum consists of a structured and systematicapproach to orthopaedic training, including daily didactics.Protected teaching time occurs from 6:30 to 8:00 a.m., featuringvarious conferences and lectures across multiple subspecialtiessuch as trauma, pediatrics, adult reconstruction, sports medicine,and more. Notable weekly activities include a fracture conferenceon Mondays and a rotating topics schedule that covers criticalareas in orthopaedics every four weeks.

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Hands-on Experience

Residents are given ample opportunities for hands-on experiencethrough a variety of practical sessions, including laboratoryexperiences and journal clubs. Quarterly laboratory sessions allowpracticing operative techniques in controlled environments, furtherenhancing surgical skill development.

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Research Opportunities

Research and scholarly activity are pivotal components of theresidency. Residents are encouraged to engage in longitudinalresearch projects during their training, presenting their findingsduring designated conferences. Resources for conducting researchare robust, with support from dedicated research fellows andfunding opportunities available for residents.

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Training Sites

The residency encompasses multiple training sites whereresidents can experience varied clinical settings. This includesexposure to a community-centered health system that serves a largegeographical area, allowing for comprehensive learning in diverseconditions and patient interactions, which is critical for skilledpractice.

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Visa Support and Competitiveness

Geisinger supports international applicants by sponsoringspecific visa types, enabling foreign medical graduates toparticipate effectively in the residency program. The program isknown to be competitive yet is welcoming to DOs and IMGs.

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Application Requirements

Application to the residency program is through the ElectronicResidency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants should be mindfulof selecting the right materials, including medical schooltranscripts, letters of recommendation, and available USMLE scores.There are specific requirements regarding the year of graduationand the maximum number of attempts for STEP exams, aiming tomaintain a standard of excellence among candidates.

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Overall, the Geisinger Orthopaedic Surgery Northeast Residencyprogram stands as a compelling option for medical students seekinga rigorous, supportive, and high-quality training experience inorthopaedic surgery.

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Director

Joel C Klena, MD
Program Director

Coordinators

Tanya Fisher
Program Coordinator

Program

Program size
4, 4, 4, 4, 4 (5 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since April 1958

Training

Fellowship Rate: 67%
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio: 1.1X

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 70 hours
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours
First Year Salary: $65 603
First Year Paid Vacation: 15 days
First Year Paid Sick Leave: 999 days

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: 258
Visa Sponsorship: J1
YOG Cutoff: 2

Match History

Track: 1608260C0
2025
4 of 4
2024
4 of 4
2023
4 of 4
2022
4 of 4
2021
4 of 4
2020
4 of 4

Location

Danville, PA
Population
4 239
Income
$55 625
Education
43.5%
Employment
52%
Health
3.4%
Age
36
Housing - Rental Prices
Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Rate per 100,000 Residents

Living in Danville, PA

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Danville has a low crime rate compared to national averages, making it a relatively safe community to live in.
  • Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy outdoor activities in nearby state parks, visit local museums like the Thomas Beaver Free Library, and attend community events throughout the year.
  • Climate: Danville experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Residents get to enjoy the beauty of fall foliage.
  • Races and Population: The population in Danville is diverse, with a mix of races and ethnicities contributing to a vibrant community.
  • Education: Danville is home to reputable schools and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, providing educational opportunities for residents.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in Danville is relatively affordable compared to larger cities, making it an attractive place for residents.
  • Proximity to Bigger Cities: Danville is approximately 2 hours away from Philadelphia by car, providing access to a major city for additional amenities and entertainment.
  • Pros: Safe environment, diverse community, affordable cost of living, and access to outdoor activities.
  • Cons: Limited nightlife and entertainment options within the town itself.
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