Orthopaedic surgery residents share in the responsibility of teaching one another, medical students, and students enrolled in other allied health professional programs. A Residents as Educators Program is provided for those with a particular interest in education. Additionally, research is an important component of the residency program. Residents are required to complete one publishable project by the end of training. Research is supported by the department in the form of funding, statistical analysis support, monthly research meetings, and early engagement of all trainees. Residents are supported for travel to conferences where their research is accepted for presentation.

The program allows for graduated levels of responsibility in terms of patient care and program administration. Call responsibilities are present throughout the training period. Junior residents take call in-house at the University Hospital except during the pediatric rotations where call is from home. VAMC and senior resident call are also from home. The residency program strictly adheres to the 80-hour work week guidelines, and all residents will be expected to comply with this mandate.

Program goals and objectives apply to both residents and teaching faculty. Residents are evaluated after each rotation through a “360-degree evaluation” process which allows for feedback from caregivers across the patient care spectrum as well as staff and faculty. Residents meet with the Residency Program Director semiannually to discuss progress and define individual goals and objectives. Participation in the annual Orthopaedic In-Training Exam (OITE) is also required.