The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery provides training for three new residents each year. Two residents match to a standard five-year position and one resident will match to a six-year program which includes a research year. Time is devoted throughout each track to gaining practical experience in subspecialties while refining diagnostic and surgical skills. Prosthetic management, reconstructive surgery, spinal surgery, fractures, polytrauma, foot and ankle, sports medicine, hand and adult reconstructive surgery are some of the areas in which residents train. Training sites include the Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, several local private hospitals, the Medical University Hospital, and the MUSC Children's Hospital. PGY5 residents serve as chief residents at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center, the Medical University Hospital in adult reconstruction, and at the Children's Hospital in pediatric orthopaedics.

The six-year position includes a matched year of research to be completed between the intern and PGY2 years. Applicants may apply and rank either or both the five and six-year positions. Responsibilities of the research resident beyond clinical and basic science projects include editing and publication of the MUSC Orthopaedic Journal.

The training program gives residents a balanced experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. About 35 percent of surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures. Faculty see patients at Rutledge Towers and at the MUSC Bone and Joint Center in West Ashley.

PGY1:  The PGY1 matched year of orthopaedic surgery residency is a rotating internship and is completed at MUSC.  Emphasis in the first year is on general surgical principles including pre and post operative care and basic surgical techniques.  Three residency positions are offered each year.

PGY2: During the PGY2 year, residents serve four-month rotations in trauma, the V.A. Medical Center, and in elective surgeries. Responsibilities include: obtaining patient histories and performing physicals; establishing diagnoses and treatment plans under the supervision of the chief resident; daily ward work, including casts; preoperative evaluation of patients; developing surgical skills in fracture management; and establishing two orthopaedic research projects to be completed by the PGY4 year. Residents are on call in-house one day in six.  

PGY3: The PGY3 year includes four-month rotations in basic science and research, pediatric orthopaedics, and a four-month rotation with affiliated orthopaedic surgeons in the community. During the basic science rotation, emphasis is placed on basic anatomy, pathology, physiology, and biomechanics. Anatomic prosections of the musculoskeletal system provide material that is discussed monthly. The basic science resident is responsible for organizing the teaching schedule under faculty supervision and initiating a research project. Residents are on call in-house one day in six.

PGY4: In this training year, residents serve four-month rotations at the Medical University as the chief of trauma, at MUSC on the elective service, and on the hand surgery service. Emphasis is placed on increasing surgical experience and management of orthopaedic problems. The four-month hand surgery rotation includes outpatient and inpatient surgical procedures and clinical experience in the evaluation and treatment of hand problems. Residents are on call from home approximately every sixth day.

PGY5: In addition to serving four-month rotations at the Medical University Hospital and the V.A. Medical Center, the PGY5 resident serves four months in pediatric orthopaedic surgery. He/she serves as chief resident and performs administrative and supervisory duties for junior residents. Responsibilities include daily rounds, medical student teaching and evaluation, inpatient consultations and implementation of surgical and nonsurgical treatment plans under faculty supervision. The resident's research projects should be completed and ready for publication and exhibit during this year. Residents are on call from home approximately every sixth day.

Current Residents

Charleston is located on the coast of South Carolina. Many of the residents enjoy sailing, waterskiing, boating, or fishing in their free time

EXTERNSHIPS: If you are a medical student interested in arranging a one-month externship in the Department of Orthopaedics at MUSC, contact Pam Troneck, the Coordinator of Student Affairs, at (843) 792-2841. Or visit their website at www.musc.edu/comelectives/visit.html

APPLICATIONS : The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery uses the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Three positions are matched per year. Nathan Williams, the residency program coordinator, may be reached at (843) 792-0245 to answer any questions about the application procedure. Address inquiries to: