Curriculum
The following is an outline of the didactic and clinical curriculum required in order to complete the Orthopaedic Surgery PA Fellowship.
Didactic:
a) Intensive lectures to include anatomy and physiology, history and physical exam of the orthopaedic patient, fracture classification, and essentials of treatment.
b) Weekly grand rounds lectures provided for the Fellows, medical, and PA students on the service.
c) Weekly reading assignments prior to scheduled lectures.
d) Monthly Journal Club
e) Evaluation and testing:
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Oral and written quizzes.
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Reading and interpretation of x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
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Grand rounds style presentations.
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Formal written midterm and final examinations.
f) Final research project
Note: The fellowship program is 12 months in duration with an additional 3 to 4 weeks of pre-fellowship training. There are 59 weeks of rotations noted in the above table. This is secondary to an overlap in duties during the Emergency Room Orthopaedics Rotation and the individuals clinics.
The PA Fellow may be exposed to the following technical skills and procedures during their training:
1. Abscess / wound incision, irrigation and debridement
2. Amputation revision of a digit / Nail bed repair
3. Casting and splinting
4. Closed reduction of the following:
a. Phalanx fracture/dislocation
b. Metacarpal fracture/dislocation
c. Carpal fracture/dislocation
d. Wrist fracture
e. Forearm fractures
f. Elbow dislocation/fracture
g. Humerus fractures
h. Shoulder dislocation
i. Metatarsal fracture/dislocation
j. Tarsal fracture/dislocation
k. Tibia/fibula fractures/dislocation
l. Knee dislocation
m. Femur fractures
n. Hip dislocation
o. Cervical facet dislocation
5. Extensor tendon repair
6. Foreign body removal
7. Injection or aspiration of the following:
a. Hand / Digit
b. Wrist
c. Elbow
d. Shoulder
e. Ankle
f. Knee
g. Hematoma
8. Intracompartmental pressure measurement
9. Nerve blocks
a. Digit
b. Wrist
c. Ankle
10. Steinmann pin placement
a. Distal femur
b. Proximal tibia
11. Surgical first assist techniques:
a. Arthroscopy
b. Total joint arthroplasty
c. Spine surgery
d. Fractures