This program features training in all aspects of orthopedic surgery and practice.
PGY 1: The internship year is designed to provide a solid foundation for the study of orthopedic surgery. Rotations include orthopedic surgery, trauma surgery, plastic surgery, surgical and medical ICU, surgical simulation, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
PGY 2-5: These years incorporate increased patient care and surgical responsibilities. Rotations through the Albany Med Health System and additional local health care facilities afford exposure to all facets of orthopedic practice. A total of 250 orthopedic hospital beds exist for trauma, joint replacement, hand surgery, sports medicine, tumor, foot surgery, pediatrics, and spine surgery. Senior residents also spend 10 weeks on a pediatric rotation at Shriner's Hospital in nearby Springfield, Massachusetts.
All rotations are divided into roughly ten-week blocks. Residents receive three weeks of vacation time and one week of conference time per academic year. Rotations are structured to provide continuity of care by integrating the outpatient, inpatient, and operative experiences during each rotation.
Highlights of the Educational Program
Monday mornings and Thursday mornings are devoted to resident teaching in anatomy, osteology, pathology, biomechanics, rehabilitation, adult and pediatric reconstructive problems, orthopedic subspecialties, and fractures. Residents do not have clinical responsibilities during scheduled conferences.
Grand Rounds are held weekly at Albany Medical Center. Individual hospitals have weekly indications conferences and monthly mortality and morbidity conferences discussing their patients. There is a monthly journal club for the entire residency program.
Each resident is required to complete a clinical or basic science research project. The proposal for the project is due at the beginning of PGY 3. A thesis in the form of a publishable paper is required to complete the program. This paper is presented at the Annual Resident Thesis Day.