Orthopedics Fellowship Training and Experience

Educational Program

The Orthopedics Fellowship is a 12 month training program using the preceptor model of teaching. The fellow is assigned to a pediatric orthopedist attending physician (preceptor) on a 2 month rotation throughout the year. During the rotation, the fellow works in a close relationship with the preceptor and their respective practices in both the clinic and surgical setting. The fellow is involved in clinical decision making for inpatients consults, outpatient evaluations and surgical decisions in tandem with their assigned preceptor. The fellow takes emergeny room call when their preceptor is on call. In the surgical setting, the fellow participates at a level deemed appropriate by the preceptor and in accordance with the hospital's rules and regulations. In the clinical setting, the fellow evaluates and treats patients under the supervision of the preceptor. The fellow assists in decision-making and continuing care of the patient, including initial management (operative and/or non-operative) and follow-up care. In all settings, the fellow is expected to teach and mentor rotating orthopedic residents, emergency medicine rotators, medical students and allied staff. Administrative, academic, clinical and surgical functions are evaluated throughout the course of the program to ensure progression in mastering the Pediatric Orthopedic Fellow goals and objectives and to provide feedback for performance improvement and self-directed learning. The program is structured to provide graduated clinical responsibility under direct supervision and guidance of the surgical faculty.

Didactics

• Daily Indications/ Rounds: Review emergency room and operative cases of the previous day, review the x-ray of consultations and discuss the cases and care plan.
• Weekly Reading Conference: Curriculum from standard texts with current literature incorporated into the program every 8 weeks.
• Weekly X-Ray Conference:  Interesting cases are presented by Staff, Orthopedics Residents and Fellow. Cases are from staff clinics, unusual cases, preoperative presentations or emergency room consultations and are open discussion.
• Morbidity and Mortality Conference: The conference is incorporated ever eight weeks.
• Orthopedic Grand Rounds:  Citywide, attended by three orthopedica teaching programs and staff. Grand Rounds occurs monthly September through June.
• Pediatric Fracture Conference: Pediatric specific fracture topics are presented and discussed. All levels of teaching staff and fellows participate. Occurs monthly September through June.

Research

Research space and assistance for pediatric orthopedics use is made available in the Wexner Institute for Pediatric Research on an individual project basis. Additionally, the depatment has a dedicated Orthopedic library containing all texts, journals (bound and electronic versions), DVDs, CDs, etc. The fellow will attend a module lecture series entitled "Clinical Research Methodology". Staff biostatisticians are available as well.

Unique Features

Nationwide Children's provides a rich academic environment with fulltime dedicated pediatric faculty, technology and administrative support. Involvement of multidisciplinary services including, but not limited to, Genetics, Social Services, Psychology, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Pain Service and Nursing Services that have a constant presence in the Orthopedic clinics and service. Patient population is large and diverse with various ages and diagnosis. Self-directed learning is accomplished by attendance at key core competency lectures, GME Today, modules on the six core competencies as outlined by ACGME.