"This program has been reviewed and is approved for a maximum of 50 hours of clinical Category I (Pre-Approved) CME credit by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.Physician assistants should claim only those hours actually spent participating in the CME activity.

This program was planned in accordance with AAPA's CME Standards for Lecture-Learner Programs and for Commercial Support of Lecture-Learner Programs."

Purpose:

To provide the graduate Physician Assistant with an opportunity to obtain advanced training in orthopaedic surgery.

Description: The residency program offered by the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute is a 12 month didactic and clinical training program. The program is modeled after the physician residency program in orthopaedic surgery also offered at the Institute. This multi-specialty orthopaedic group consists of twelve fellowship-trained surgeons who participate in both the didactic and clinical components in the area of their respective sub-specialties.

University/Institutional Affiliations: The residency program is offered by the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute which is located at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, Illinois. This is one of the largest private teaching hospitals in the Chicago suburban area, and also participates in the education of PA students, medical students, and physician residents. The residency program is sponsored by Rosalind Franklin University, and the faculty from each program cooperates in the education of PA students and residents.

Residency Objectives: Upon completion, the PA will have an in-depth understanding of the various sub-specialties within orthopaedics, including: trauma, total joint replacement, spine surgery, hand surgery, sports medicine, and foot & ankle surgery. The graduate will have had extensive experience in the triage, evaluation, treatment and management of orthopaedic problems in each of these areas. The graduate will have developed into an expert first-assistant in the operating room. The residency program will also involve the PA in at least one research project where the PA can participate as one of the principle investigators.

Program Length: 12 Months, beginning July 1st of each year. (For those students in PA Programs that graduate in late summer, a September start may be arranged.) 

Openings: 4 to 6 residency positions each year.

Curriculum: The didactic and clinical curriculums are integrated. The PA resident will participate in daily teaching rounds, weekly conferences, weekly grand rounds, weekly interdisciplinary conferences, and monthly research meetings. Monthly didactic tests are given by the Physician Assistant Program Faculty.

The clinical curriculum will consist of rotations through the following sub-specialty areas: orthopaedic trauma surgery, total joint surgery, spine surgery, sports surgery, hand surgery, and foot & ankle surgery. The resident will participate in clinics, inpatient care and first-assist in the operating room while on each rotation. The resident will also participate in in-house trauma call approximately one night per week.

Compensation: $50,000

Other Fees/Expenses/Tuition: none

Benefits: Health Insurance, Malpractice Insurance. Ten days paid vacation.

Housing: Arranged individually by each resident. The Medical Center is located in a clean residential area with many apartment complexes nearby.

Credentials Awarded: Upon completion of the residency program, a certificate of training will be awarded by the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute.