Resident Education and Training
Learn Through Experience. Grow Through Education. Advance Through Research.
The UAMS Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program provides a comprehensive educational experience designed to develop skilled, knowledgeable, and well-rounded orthopaedic surgeons. Through progressive clinical training, a structured didactic curriculum, hands-on surgical education, and meaningful research opportunities, residents gain the experience and foundation needed to pursue successful careers in academic medicine or private practice.
Clinical Training and Rotations
The UAMS Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program offers a five-year training experience with progressive clinical responsibility and surgical experience in all orthopaedic subspecialties at various hospitals including UAMS Health, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and the VA.The following is a typical rotation schedule:
Program Year One (PGY-1) Rotations
- 2-3 months Orthopaedic Pediatrics at Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- 2-3 months Orthopaedic Trauma at UAMS Health
- 2 months General Surgery at CHI-St Vincent Hospital
- 1 month General Trauma Surgery at UAMS Health
- 1 month Radiology at UAMS Health
- 1 month Emergency Medicine at Baptist Health Hospital
- 1-2 months Orthopaedic Oncology at UAMS Health
- 1 month Surgical Intensive Care at UAMS Health
Program Year Two (PGY-2) Rotations
Five 10-week blocks:
- 10 weeks General Orthopaedics at VA Hospital and Night Float at UAMS Health
- 10 weeks Foot and Ankle Surgery at UAMS Health
- 10 weeks Adult Reconstruction at UAMS Health
- 10 weeks Research and Night Float at UAMS Health
- 10 weeks Hand Surgery at UAMS Health and Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Program Year Three (PGY-3) Rotations
Five 10-week blocks:
- 10 weeks Spine Surgery at UAMS Health and Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- 10 weeks Shoulder Surgery at UAMS Health
- 10 weeks Sports Medicine at UAMS Health and Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- 10 weeks Orthopaedic Trauma at UAMS Health
- 10 weeks Research at UAMS Health and General Orthopaedics at VA Hospital
Program Year Four (PGY-4) Rotations
Five 10-week blocks:
- 10 weeks Orthopaedic Pediatrics at Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- 10 weeks General Orthopaedics at VA Hospital
- 10 weeks Hand Surgery at UAMS Health
- 10 weeks Sports Medicine at UAMS Health and Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- 10 weeks Orthopaedic Oncology at UAMS Health and Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Program Year Five (PGY-5) Rotations
- 10 weeks Adult Reconstruction at UAMS Health
- 10 weeks General Orthopaedics at VA Hospital
- 10 weeks Orthopaedic Trauma at UAMS Health
- 10 weeks Orthopaedic Pediatrics at Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- 10 weeks Elective
Didactic Education & Surgical Skills Development
The UAMS Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program maintains a balanced educational curriculum in which clinical training is enhanced by structured academic instruction and hands-on technical development.
- Subspecialty Conferences: Weekly educational sessions.
- Grand Rounds: Monthly presentations.
- Journal Club: Monthly evidence-based discussions.
- Bioskills & Sawbones Labs: Hands-on surgical training and skills development.
- Additional Educational Opportunities: AO courses, specialized training courses, and the annual AAOS meeting for chief residents.
Resident Research & Academic Development
At UAMS, we understand the importance of research and its connection to advancing patient care and improving outcomes. In fact, within the last three years, our residents have contributed to more than 30 PubMed indexed publications and have given numerous national presentations.
- Every resident completes a comprehensive research project.
- Opportunities for clinical and basic science research.
- Faculty mentorship and multidisciplinary research support.
- Access to biostatistical services, IRB assistance, and research resources.
- Presentation at the James Aronson, M.D., Resident Research Competition.
- Opportunities for national presentations and peer-reviewed publications.