Program Overview

Orthopaedic Residency Program

The orthopaedic residency program at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is designed to provide residents with both clinical and surgical skills in a graduated fashion.

Program Structure

In the PGY-2 and 3 years, residents are instructed in the fundamentals of information gathering, including history taking, regional physical examination, and interpretation of musculoskeletal diagnostic tests. They are also encouraged to acquire a comprehensive approach to treatment of musculoskeletal maladies. Operative skills are acquired through one-on-one teaching.

Clinical Experience

The PGY-4 and 5 years are characterized by increased responsibility both in the outpatient setting and operating room. In the outpatient setting, residents are expected to hone their skills in information gathering, formulation of a differential diagnosis, and establishment of a treatment plan with acceptable alternatives. In the operating rooms, residents must demonstrate the ability to perform standard orthopaedic procedures with minimal supervision.

Rotations Schedule

The program includes the following rotations:

• PGY-1: UCMC Orthopaedics (4 months), Radiology, CHMC Ortho, Lab Ortho, ED, Plastics, SICU, Anesthesia, Trauma
• PGY-2: Ped Orthopaedics (20 weeks), Foot/Ankle (10 weeks), Sports (10 weeks), Recon (10 weeks)
• PGY-3: Trauma (10 weeks), Hand (10 weeks), Shoulder (10 weeks), VAMC (10 weeks), Spine/Research (10 weeks)
• PGY-4: Spine (10 weeks), Adult Recon (10 weeks), Sports (10 weeks), Pediatric Ortho (10 weeks), Foot/Ankle (10 weeks)
• PGY-5: UH Trauma Chief (10 weeks), UH Trauma Admin (10 weeks), VAMC (10 weeks), General Ortho/Chile (10 weeks), Adult Upper Extremity (10 weeks)

Educational Conference/Lecture Schedule

The program includes a comprehensive conference schedule to enhance the educational experience of residents, covering all aspects of specialty areas within orthopaedic surgery. The schedule includes:

• Monday: Fracture Conference (1st week of the month)
• Tuesday:
  • Spitballs, Curves and Sliders (SCS)
  • Trauma Rounds
• Wednesday:
  • Orthobullets led by chief residents (1st week of the month)
  • Grand Rounds (weeks 2-4)
  • QI Conference (1st week of the month)
  • Spine Conference (odd months) or Basic Science (even months)
  • Journal Club (2nd week of the month)
  • Foot and Ankle Conference (odd months) or Trauma Conference (even months)
  • Recon Conference (odd months) or Hand Conference (even months)
• Friday:
  • MRI Conference (1st week of the month)
  • Shoulder Conference (2nd week of the month)
  • OITE Review Questions (3rd week of the month)
  • Sports Medicine (4th week of the month)
  • Recon with Dr. Spanyer (when applicable)

Additional Educational Opportunities

CSI Labs (dissections and cadaveric) are held monthly, rotating on Wednesday mornings from 6:30-9:00 a.m. in place of Grand Rounds and specialty conference. Tumor Conference is held on Tuesday mornings when SCS Conference is cancelled.