University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
Hot
Write Review
Contact Information
City
Chicago
State/Province
Illinois
Program Information
Residents per class
7
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program
User reviews
(Updated: December 12, 2011)
Overall rating
10.0
Staff Surgeons
10.0
Didactics/Teaching
10.0
Operating Experience
10.0
Clinical Experience
10.0
Research
10.0
Residents
10.0
Lifestyle
10.0
Location
10.0
Overall Experience
10.0
UIC rotation
Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
There are excellent faculty at this program. The coordinator ensures that rotators obtain exposure to those who are involved in the residency selection process. The chairman was extremely hospitable and made a point of discussing my background with me after our introduction, almost like a mini-interview. Being in the OR with him was a great experience. The atmosphere between the faculty and residents was collegial, with less of a hierarchical dynamic than I have observed elsewhere. The faculty I observed had a high operative volume within each specialty, which afforded the residents good exposure. Being personally interested in shoulder and elbow, I found working with Dr. Goldberg to be a phenomenal experience.
Didactics / Teaching
Didactics are primarily on Wednesday morning between 7 - 1 pm rather than on a daily basis. I rotated just prior to OITE, so much of the conference focused on question review, with most of the program in attendance. A very knowledgeable senior class lead the session.
The residents made a point of stopping to teach if they sensed interest on the student’s part. One aspect which was of high utility was a Monday morning session during which the week's cases were discussed. The patient background, indications, imaging, and operative plan were presented by the residents. Some of the staff was in attendance for guidance and to provide salient points of education regarding each case.
The residents made a point of stopping to teach if they sensed interest on the student’s part. One aspect which was of high utility was a Monday morning session during which the week's cases were discussed. The patient background, indications, imaging, and operative plan were presented by the residents. Some of the staff was in attendance for guidance and to provide salient points of education regarding each case.
Operating Experience
Definitely one of the major strong points of this program. Despite being one of the larger programs, there were ample opportunities for residents of all levels to gain meaningful, independent experience in the OR. The chiefs were extremely competent and I got the impression that they had been exposed very early on, given their confidence and efficiency during cases. Though I did not visit the other centers, I was informed that this independence is present to a greater degree at the other hospitals.
Clinic Experience
Clinic patients are seen in an outpatient care center, joined to but separate from the main hospital. The program’s strong sense of teamwork was really exemplified here, as the residents always seemed to converge on clinic from elsewhere and help out once their other duties were completed, regardless of which service they were on.
Research Opportunities
Research opportunities are definitely available for those interested. Being personally interested in continuing research throughout residency, I investigated this to the extent that I could. In fact, during my limited time there, I was able to become involved in a project with one of the faculty. I believe there is close collaboration with and support from the Department of Engineering for those interested in biomechanical studies. Two of the residents I worked with were involved with multiple projects focused on their respective specialty of interest. The impression I got from both was that this was an enjoyable process and not burdensome.
Residents
Besides being very friendly and hospitable, I noticed that the residents all seemed to be very happy. This was an aspect that I noticed almost immediately. Also, the seniors are very supportive of the juniors. This culture is fostered by the program director who seems to be genuinely concerned with the overall well-being of his team. I was told on numerous occasions by different residents of how supportive and personally vested in the residents Dr. Mejia is, a feeling which I also perceived during my limited interaction with him. As mentioned above, there was a strong sense of teamwork from this program, and they all seemed eager to support each other.
Lifestyle
It seems like the residents enjoy a healthy balance between hospital and non-hospital time. UIC is about 3 miles from the city, which is a great place to live.
Location / Housing
My commentary on this would be useless as I stayed in student-housing near the hospital, and did not explore much of the area. A Chicago-native would be able to provide a better idea of the living situation around that area.
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
I had an excellent overall experience at this program. This institution combines a great faculty with fantastic, surgically competent residents, and is a program that I would be happy to match into.
Qualification
I rotated as a medical student at this program
Date of Rotation
November 2011
Was this review helpful to you?
Orthogate Reviews Widget
Category: Illinois
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program
