I’ve read past reviews which were helpful to me, so I figure i’d contribute my opinion regarding spine fellowships. Of course, this is just a single person’s opinion and I think each future fellow should consider what they want out of their practice. There are lots of good fellowships where you can receive good training, so I think its important to figure out how you want your career to shape and cater your fellowship experience to that.
After interviewing, discussing with other applicants, attending, and previous applicants, I think the most highly touted programs with the most enthusiastic fellows are (in no particular order):
-Rothman
-Utah
-Emory
-Columbia
These programs seem to have common themes of great autonomy, prestige, mentorship, placement into either academic/private practice, diversity of cases (degen, deformity, MIS exposure, tumor/trauma, etc). Great programs with high case volume. Well rounded fellowships.
Other notable programs that are also very very strong, with strong case loads, autonomy, mentorship:
-Leatherman
-Cleveland Clinic
-Mayo
-OrthoCarolina
-Maryland
-Mass/Gen
Programs catered more for a deformity based practice:
-Columbia
-Wash U
-UC Davis
Other programs that I was impressed/heard about but maybe are missing a particular subset of training (degen, deformity, MIS exposure, tumor/trauma, etc):
-Rush (strong MIS, no trauma, maybe less autonomy on some rotations)
-HSS (good MIS and deformity exposure. No trauma, maybe less autonomy)
-Harborview (strong trauma, complex cases, less MIS, traditionally open fellowship)
-Twin Cities (high volume, no trauma, more private practice exposure)
-Pitt (strong program, trauma, autonomy—but lost some faculty over the years)
-Swedish (complex cases, maybe plugged in with seattle science foundation, no trauma)
Overall, there are lots of good fellowships. This post echoes what has already been stated by others, but just wanted to contribute my two cents. Hopefully it helps upcoming applicants.
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