Program Overview

Introduction to the Chattanooga Orthopaedic Surgery Residency

The Chattanooga Orthopaedic Surgery Residency is a five-year program, beginning with the PGY-1 level, with three positions at each level. This program is fast-paced and provides comprehensive training in adult and pediatric orthopaedic surgery.

Program Structure

• The program starts with a PGY-1 level that includes:
  • Four months of surgery, including trauma
  • Six months of orthopaedic surgery
  • Two months of other rotations consistent with the directives of the Residency Review Committee
• The PGY-1 year also includes focused Surgical Skills Training outlined by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• The remaining four years provide clinical orthopaedic training in subspecialty areas, including:
  • Arthroplasty
  • Foot and Ankle
  • Hand Surgery
  • Musculoskeletal Oncology
  • Pediatric Orthopaedics
  • Spine Surgery
  • Shoulder/Elbow Surgery
  • Sports Medicine
  • Trauma

Educational Components

• Didactic and basic science elements of the program include:
  • Five hours of conferences per week
  • Monthly journal club
  • Attendance at courses in basic trauma, musculoskeletal pathology, basics in arthroplasty, and an orthopaedic board review course
• Chief residents attend the AAOS Annual Meeting
• An institutional Core Curriculum has been developed for education in issues that affect all residents

Clinical Experience

• Orthopaedic residents are an integral part of the Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Centers
• The institution has a Surgical Skills and Simulation Lab where basic surgical skills are taught and practiced during the PGY-1 level
• The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has its own library as well as a four-station arthroscopic/technical skills lab, which includes arthroscopic simulation

Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship

• The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery also sponsors a one-year Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship for residents who have completed an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
• The one-year Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship experience emphasizes pelvic and periarticular fractures

Institutional Recognition

• Erlanger Health has received the Orthopedic Center of Excellence Designation from DNV, affirming excellence in the provision of diagnostic services, surgical services, and therapies related to orthopedic care
• This designation is obtained by achieving advanced certification in at least three advanced orthopedic programs, informed by guidelines and recommendations of organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and relevant requirements of the CMS Conditions of Participation for Hospitals