Training Future Leaders in Orthopedic Surgery
On our campus, sunshine is as stimulating as our distinguished faculty and sea air as abundant as our leading-edge facilities and resources. As a internationally recognized public research university, UC San Diego's School of Medicine welcomes bold thinkers and creative achievers into its education and training programs.
Explore Our Programs
Residency Program
Our residency program is diverse and flexible, preparing our residents for the field of musculoskeletal surgery. We offer a five-year clinical and six-year research track.
Fellowship Program
We offer fellowships in four sub-specialties: orthopedic trauma, spine surgery, adult joint reconstruction, and hand & microvascular surgery.
Medical Student Opportunities
We offer subinternships for both UC San Diego and visiting senior students along with independent study research opportunities.
Additional Learning Opportunities
Trainees receive continuing, needs-based education through Grand Rounds, journal club meetings, cadaver labs, sawbones workshops and many other opportunities.
In our dynamic orthopedic surgery programs, our department develops future medical leaders devoted to making a lasting impact through scholarship, research and patient care. Students, residents and fellows learn through a comprehensive curriculum while participating in clinical practice within a nationally ranked academic health system—the only one of its kind in San Diego. We also offer a resident research track for inquisitive trainees and independent study research opportunities.
UC San Diego, founded in 1960, consistently ranks among the top 20 research universities globally. Recent recognitions include a five-star rating for combining quality and affordability by Money Magazine in 2023, a place among the top 10 public universities in the United States according to the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education in 2022, and ranking among the top 20 best global universities according to U.S. News & World Report for 2022-2023.
Committed to progress on this side of the Pacific Ocean, we plan on continuing to grow and innovate for years to come. We welcome you to join us and make a wave of your own.
"I was drawn from the start to the vibrant, welcoming culture in UC San Diego's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery thanks to the openness I experienced on interview day. I could not have ended up at a more supportive residency to train at!"
—Thaddeus Woodard, MD
Graduate Medical Education Overview
UC San Diego Health and School of Medicine offer a uniquely vibrant and internationally renowned learning environment for the leaders of our future to thrive. Explore why UC San Diego is an ideal place to train as a resident or fellow. And learn about employee benefits, licensure requirements, campus policies and more on the Office of Graduate Medical Education website.
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