I am a current fellow at TRIA. TRIA is the name of the orthopaedic organization composed of three groups of orthopaedic physicians - University of Minnesota, The Orthopaedic Center, and Park Nicollet Health services. There was an initial financial situation when the new facility opened in 2005, but it has been completely resolved. As far as the faculty question, I believe you are refering to Dr. Dean Taylor who went to Duke. From what I understand he was tremendous, but the former fellows did not even get to work with him as he had only been there 1 year. To replace him, Dr. Brad Nelson has come on board. And we actually work with him. All in all, a very well rounded sports fellowship, you work with about 13-14 sports trained orthopods. Some more than others, some in sub-sub specialty including a sports traumatologist, cartilage resortoration specialist, and even a few times in a sports hand rotation. Maybe slightly more emphasis on knee than shoulder (60-40). But still doing a full course of shoulder work (Reverses, Totals, and arthroscopic labral, instability, and RCT, the knee work is just extremely well rounded, revision ACLs, meniscus transplants, multiligament knees, fx/d/l knees, uni knees, including the normal stuff. A smattering of hip, elbow, wrist and ankle arthroscopy as it relates to sports medicine. Wednesday weekly conferences (journal club, grand rounds, case conference, MRI, and PT) and numerous sporting event coverage round out your training, including the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild, Lynx, Swarm and Twins and college and high school athletics. The new outpatient facility is spectactular and very efficient. So far very happy with the fellowship. I believe the interview date is December 7th if you are interested.
