Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health Program

Orthopaedic Residency Program Overview

The Orthopaedic Residency Program at Brown University aims to develop the next generation of leaders in orthopaedic practice through a comprehensive, multi-faceted training approach. Established in 1938, the program is one of the oldest orthopaedic residencies in the United States and is associated with prestigious training sites such as Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, and the Providence Veterans Affairs Hospital. The residency consists of a five-year program with typically six residents per year, including an additional year as a junior attending through a Trauma Fellowship. This structure delivers unparalleled exposure to orthopedic care and surgical experience.

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Training Sites

The residency program features a variety of training sites, critical to providing a well-rounded educational experience. The main hospitals involved include:

• Rhode Island Hospital: The state’s largest hospital and a Level 1 trauma center offering comprehensive orthopaedic care.
• Hasbro Children’s Hospital: Provides specialized pediatric orthopaedic care.
• The Miriam Hospital: Houses the Total Joint Center, performing a significant volume of joint arthroplasty surgeries.
• Providence VA Medical Center: Offers care for veterans, allowing residents to gain valuable experience in a unique patient population.
• Kettle Point – East Bay Surgical Center: Provides additional outpatient surgical experience across various orthopedic procedures.

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Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured into clinical rotations across all orthopaedic subspecialties. The PGY-1 to PGY-5 clinical rotations emphasize graduated autonomy and extensive operative experience. Notably, residents receive exposure to subspecialties including:

• Pediatrics
• Pain Management
• Hand Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Adult Reconstruction

Additional features include a resident-run clinic where they manage patients longitudinally, thus promoting continuity of care and procedural skills development.

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Research Opportunities

The program is dedicated to advancing the field of orthopaedics through research. Residents are allotted four months of protected research time and have access to a well-funded orthopedic research laboratory. Opportunities exist across various research domains including ligament reconstruction, 3D modeling, and biomechanics, ensuring residents can engage in meaningful research projects throughout their training.

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International Experience

The Silver Fellowship is a distinctive opportunity allowing residents and fellows to provide osteopathic care in resource-limited settings. This fellowship enables participants to share their knowledge and skills with local healthcare providers during a travel experience to various countries known for developing orthopaedic services.

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Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program follows a highly competitive selection process, welcoming various applicants, including graduates from DO and IMG backgrounds. Special attention is paid to applicants’ USMLE Step scores, and while there is no strict cutoff for failed Step exams, prospective residents should aim for strong performance. Essential application components include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a medical student performance evaluation.

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Salary and Benefits

The residency program offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including health coverage, educational stipends, and gym memberships. The projected salary for the 2024–2025 year ranges from approximately $69,750 for PGY-1 to $83,272 for PGY-5 residents. Additionally, there are provisions for meals during on-call hours and dedicated call rooms equipped for residents’ use.

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Life in Providence

Providence, Rhode Island, provides a vibrant and welcoming environment. The city is rich in cultural experiences, culinary diversity, and offers ample opportunities for recreation. Residents will find a city alive with art, theater, and activities to immerse themselves in during their residency, complementing their intense training.

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Visa Support

The program provides a supportive framework for international applicants, including visa sponsorship through H-1B and J-1 visas. This support enables a diverse range of candidates to apply and complete their residency in orthopaedics at Brown University.

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