Tripler Army Medical Center Program

Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program Overview

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Tripler Army Medical Center is an ACGME-accredited five-year program that progresses through PGY-1 to PGY-5. This program has the capacity to accommodate three residents annually per PGY level, and it focuses on training military officers who are actively engaged in residency education under rigorous Army regulations and standards.

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To apply for the residency, candidates must submit their applications to the Office of the Surgeon General in the fall prior to the start of residency training, considering criteria such as medical school transcripts, academic performance, and interview evaluations.

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Program Strengths

Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, this residency program offers several strengths:

• Strong mentorship with a low resident-to-faculty ratio (1:1)
• Diverse patient population, including a significant military and dependent population across the Pacific region
• A tertiary referral center for multiple branches of the armed forces
• Opportunities for outreach in various Pacific regions, including Somoa and Fiji
• An environment conducive to hands-on learning, with trauma training at level I trauma centers

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Curriculum and Rotations

The academic curriculum comprises a series of structured rotations that take place across multiple facilities:

• Primary site: Tripler Army Medical Center
• Intern Year: PGY-1, primarily at Tripler, with critical experiences at the University of Hawaii Queen’s Medical Center
• Subspecialties covered include General Orthopaedics, Sports, Shoulder and Elbow, Spine, Foot and Ankle, Hand, Total Joint Arthroplasty, Pediatrics, and Tumor.

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The first year begins with an Orthopaedic Boot Camp, followed by increasing independence and responsibility in subsequent years. By PGY-4, residents often begin applying for fellowship opportunities, supported by extensive clinical exposure to a range of orthopaedic specialties.

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Research Opportunities

A strong emphasis on research is integrated into the residency program. Residents are provided dedicated time for research activities and are encouraged to engage in scholarly pursuits, resulting in numerous publications and presentations at national levels.

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Dedicated research time is scheduled weekly, and all residents participate in annual symposia to present their findings. The program expects residents to collaborate with staff members to develop publishable manuscripts, reinforcing the program’s commitment to academic excellence.

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Simulation and Skill Training

The program employs a simulation center specifically designed for hands-on learning and skill enhancement at various stages of residency. PGY-1 residents start with foundational skills in soft tissue handling and progress toward advanced surgical techniques.

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In addition, anatomy laboratories are accessible for cadaver dissections, further supplementing the educational experience. The training in this controlled environment allows for the practical application of surgical knowledge, preparing residents for real-life clinical scenarios.

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Rotation Sites

The residency incorporates several critical rotation sites, including:

• Tripler Army Medical Center – Primary teaching hospital offering comprehensive training across various orthopaedic subspecialties
• Queen’s Medical Center – A level I trauma center providing extensive traumatic and reconstructive experience
• Texas Scottish Rite Hospital – Focused on pediatric orthopaedics and rehabilitation

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Competitiveness and Selection

The residency is highly competitive, particularly for students from U.S. medical schools. However, applicants from osteopathic and international medical institutions may also find opportunities, with performance metrics such as USMLE scores considered in the selection process.

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Inquiries regarding application specifics, including requirements for graduation year and examination scores, are an integral part of the candidate evaluation.

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Visa Support

The program supports foreign medical graduates in applying for residency positions and sponsorship for J-1 visas for international medical graduates (IMGs), facilitating their trainee status in the U.S.

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