Throughout the 5 year orthopedic residency training program, residents participate in monthly orthopedic clinic at WRH. In addition, residents will participate in private offices as well as physical and occupational therapy sessions.

The following is the schedule for the Western Reserve Hospital Orthopedic Surgery program

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First Year

The initial year of orthopedic residency follows the ACGME rotational guidelines for the PGY-1 year. Six months are spent orthopedics with exposure to the preliminary casework and techniques necessary for an orthopedic physician. There is one month spent on General Surgery rotation with focus on the pre-operative and post-operative care of patients. There are scheduled simulation experiences to build skills in the insertion of central lines, chest tubes, and inter-operative procedures.

There is also one month of each of the following: Internal Medicine - Nights, Emergency Medicine, Intensive Care, Plastic Surgery & Neuro/Radiology. All rotations are done at Western Reserve Hospital.

Second Year

The second year of training in orthopedic surgery will provide the resident with the basic knowledge of orthopedic surgical instruments, operating room technique, x-ray positioning and interpretation, and pre- and post-operative patient care. Residents will be exposed to a variety of clinical scenarios and orthopedic complaints to build clinical knowledge and surgical experience, both in the office setting and operating room. Time will be spent at Crystal Clinic for Sports, hand, and foot and ankle rotations. Two months are spent at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland for Orthopedic trauma with experiences in re-construction, upper extremity, and major fracture care. 

Third Year

During the third year of orthopedic training, the resident will continue participation directly in the management of cases in both the operating suite and in pre- and post-operative care of patients. The resident performs all operative procedures under supervision and will participate in the care of Emergency Department and other outpatient cases.

Three months are spent at Akron Children’s Hospital on the Pediatric Orthopedics Service. Here they will assist with overnight call in the emergency room and spend time in both the operating room and physician offices. This provides an excellent introduction to pediatric trauma and a variety of specialties within pediatrics. With the close proximity, residents can continue to participate in Western Reserve Hospital orthopedic educational experiences during this time. One additional month will be spent at Summa Health System in orthopedic oncology with emphasis on diagnosis, appropriate clinical evaluation, workup, and management of patients with oncologic pathology. 

Fourth Year

During the fourth year of orthopedic training, the resident will perform major surgical procedures under scrubbed supervision depending upon the resident's demonstrated ability. Increasing levels of resident responsibility are given, with the expectation of quality patient care and proper professionalism at all times.

Five months will include rotation of the resident to other hospitals in the area where additional exposure and training can be obtained in sub-specialty areas of orthopedic surgery. Two months additional months are again spent at MetroHealth Medical Center for further experience in orthopedic trauma. Three months are spent at University Hospitals- Rainbow pediatrics for pediatric orthopedics. 

Fifth Year

The final year of orthopedic residency training focuses on preparing each candidate for successful future practice. Senior level residents will participate in a majority of surgical experiences and will be expected to function independently with appropriate attending supervision. There is continued exposure to private office practices with enhanced instruction on office management and systems-based practice topics. The entire year is spent at Western Reserve Hospital both in the operating room and in faculty offices.

Didactics

Throughout each year, numerous didactic activities are required. Didactics take place on most days of the week. Didactic sessions include weekly fracture conference, journal clubs, monthly M&M's, grand rounds, guest lectures, saw bone labs, cadaveric labs, and educational conferences.  Time is also allocated to weekly group OITE preparation and formal lectures. 

All residents must participate in the Orthopedic In-Training Examination yearly.