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Chattanooga Orthopaedic Surgery Residency

Dr. Nowotarski talking to patientOur Orthopaedic Surgery Residency is a five-year program, beginning with the PGY-1 level, with three positions at each level. Our program is fast-paced and provides comprehensive training in adult and pediatric orthopaedic surgery. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery also sponsors a one-year Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship for residents who have completed an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency. 

Rotations at the PGY-1 level include four months of surgery including trauma, six months of orthopaedic surgery, and two months of other rotations consistent with directives of the Residency Review Committee. The PGY-1 year also includes focused Surgical Skills Training outlined by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

The remaining four years provide clinical orthopaedic training in subspecialty areas:

  • Arthroplasty
  • Foot and Ankle
  • Hand Surgery
  • Musculoskeletal Oncology
  • Pediatric Orthopaedics
  • Spine Surgery
  • Shoulder/Elbow Surgery
  • Sports Medicine
  • Trauma

Didactic and basic science elements of the program include:

  • Five hours of conferences per week.
  • Monthly journal club
  • Attendance at courses in basic trauma, musculoskeletal pathology, basics in arthroplasty and an orthopaedic board review course.
  • Chief residents attend the AAOS Annual Meeting.
  • An institutional Core Curriculum that has been developed for education in issues that affect all residents
  • Orthopaedic residents are an integral part of the Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Centers. The one-year Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship experience emphasizes pelvic and periarticular fractures. 

The institution has a Surgical Skills and Simulation Lab where basic surgical skills are taught and practiced during the PGY-1 level. 

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has its own library as well as a four-station arthroscopic/technical skills lab which includes arthroscopic simulation.

We invite you to consider our residency and contact us regarding our interview schedule. We accept residency applications only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), via the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). 

Erlanger Health is pleased to announce receipt of the Orthopedic Center of Excellence Designation from DNV. This designation affirms an organization’s excellence in the provision of diagnostic services, surgical services, and therapies related to orthopedic care.

The DNV Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation is obtained by achieving advanced certification in at least three (3) advanced orthopedic programs. The DNV advanced orthopedic requirements are informed by the guidelines and recommendations of organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the ERAS® Society, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and relevant requirements of the CMS Conditions of Participation for Hospitals.

Dec 21, 2023