Orthopaedic Residency Program

Orthopaedic Hospital began formal programs in medical education in the 1930's. From 1950 to 1985, it had its own independent residency program in orthopaedic surgery. At that point, our program merged with the Los Angeles County General Hospital program to form a new program under the direction of the University of Southern California (USC). As a result of the strategic alliance agreement with UCLA, in 1998 we have now formed the Orthopaedic Hospital/UCLA Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery. In March 2007, I took over as Program Director for that residency program.

Over the last 75 years, we have trained many leaders in orthopaedic surgery. In our strategic alliance with UCLA, we anticipate advancing the stature of program. Our goal is to have the finest and most sought-after orthopaedic residency program in the United States. Combining the resources of both Orthopaedic Hospital and UCLA, we are not far from that goal at this point.

In addition, we have provided support for residents in orthopaedic research. Many of them are involved to a variety of degrees, but every year two of the residents spend an entire year devoted to musculoskeletal research.

Fellowships

Fellowships are post-residency programs for additional training in orthopaedic sub-specialities, such as hand surgery, adult reconstruction/joint replacement, spine surgery, pediatric orthopaedics, sports medicine, and foot & ankle surgery. Over the last 60 years, Orthopaedic Hospital has supported fellowships in orthopaedic practice and research. We also support basic science research fellowships for Ph.D. post-doctoral musculoskeletal researchers. Recently, two of our fellowship graduates, Dr. Mauricio Silva and Dr. Benjamin Bengs, joined us as full-time faculty. In addition, Dr. William Oppenheim, who is chief of pediatric orthopaedics at UCLA and Dr. Lewis Zionts, who is a pediatric orthopaedist at the Orthopaedic Hospital Outpatient Medical Center, both had fellowships at Orthopaedic Hospital. Dr. Zionts was chief of pediatric orthopaedics at LAC+USC Medical Center for 20 years before coming back to Orthopaedic Hospital.

Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School

The most recent exciting addition to our education programs is the Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School for children from both the inner city and the greater Los Angeles area who have an interest in careers in healthcare. The high school just had its first graduating class in June 2007. We are excited about the potential for these children in a wide variety of healthcare careers including medicine, nursing, research, technology, etc. It is a delight to work with these young people who radiate enthusiasm and interest. Many of them volunteer substantial hours each year at Orthopaedic Hospital to assist us with our patients, as well as to get exposure to the full spectrum of healthcare careers.

School Nurse Symposiums

Orthopaedic Hospital provides educational symposiums and materials to the Los Angeles Unified School District school nurses on a yearly basis, and to other surrounding community school nurses. The symposiums assist in educating school nurses on children's orthopaedic conditions and treatment, and provides preventative measures to lessen injuries during school sports and playground activities.