Wright State University Program

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine is dedicated to training highly skilled and academically oriented orthopedic surgeons. The program is structured around a comprehensive five-year curriculum, which encompasses both general and subspecialty orthopedic training.

Program Overview

The residency program is designed to provide a broad spectrum of orthopedic education through a variety of clinical exposures. Each resident is expected to gain substantial experience in trauma care, particularly at Miami Valley Hospital, a Level I trauma center, and various affiliated hospitals, including Dayton Children’s Hospital, Atrium Medical Center, and the Dayton VA Medical Center. This immersive experience helps to prepare residents for both independent practice and academic medicine.

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Goals and Objectives

The foundational goal of the residency program is to create an ideal educational environment that promotes critical thinking and instills high moral values and an empathetic attitude in residents. A significant emphasis is placed on attendance at structured educational activities irrespective of service duties. Moreover, residents are regularly evaluated to ensure they meet their training goals.

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Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is comprised of various rotations, organized into different years:

First Year (R1)

• Orthopedic Trauma (3 months)
• Hand Surgery (1 month)
• Spine Surgery (1 month)
• Other clinical experiences in general surgery, including trauma and vascular surgery.

R1 residents focus primarily on fundamental orthopedic skills under the supervision of experienced faculty, developing skills critical for clinical practice.

Second Year (R2)

Residents participate in three-month rotating subspecialty blocks, including Hand Surgery, Sports Medicine, Adult Reconstruction, and Orthopedic Trauma. This structure allows for increasing surgical experience and autonomy.

Third Year (R3)

R3 residents gain additional responsibilities, attending two pediatric rotations at Dayton Children’s Hospital and taking primary care roles during their surgical rotations.

Fourth Year (R4)

Fourth-year residents focus on mentorship models, where they begin functioning in a chief resident role. They concentrate on complex cases and refine their surgical skills.

Fifth Year (R5)

The chief residents supervise junior residents and are responsible for education during Grand Rounds, enhancing their leadership and teaching skills.

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Research and Scholarly Activities

Research is an integral part of the residency program, with residents expected to complete at least one research project leading to a publication during their training. A special focus is given to residents accepted into a six-year track, which includes a dedicated research year. The program supports various clinical studies and has a fully equipped biomechanics lab to facilitate research activities.

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Participating Hospitals

The program’s primary clinical training occurs in several key facilities:

• Miami Valley Hospital: Primary site for general and specialized orthopedic training.
• Dayton Children’s Hospital: Site for pediatric orthopedic education.
• Dayton VA Medical Center: Focus on reconstructive and hand surgery.
• Atrium Medical Center: Provides experience in trauma and sports medicine.

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Resident Life

Residents in the Wright State University Orthopedic Surgery program enjoy a balanced professional and personal life. They benefit from a congenial training environment with numerous opportunities for social interaction and community events. The Dayton area offers affordable housing, cultural activities, and easy access to outdoor recreational areas.

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Application Process and Requirements

Selection into the program is highly competitive. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents as the program does not sponsor any type of visa. Specific application requirements include medical school graduation, CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean’s letter). The program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and interviews selected candidates annually.

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Salary and Benefits

The residency program offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package which includes health and dental insurance, a monthly meal stipend, annual vacation days, and access to gym facilities at Miami Valley Hospital. This fosters a supportive environment conducive to both professional development and personal well-being.

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