Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
Dr. Levine is the most involved and motivated chair in the country, period. Everyone here on orthogate knows how involved he gets in medical student and resident education (considering how much he helps us random people on these forums, imagine what he’d do for you as a resident). The fact that he is now the chairman means that the department is set to grow by leaps and bounds in the next few years. Dr. Geller is an awesome, down-to-earth, and hilarious PD who gets along quite well with all of the residents. He has a very non-NYC vibe in terms of how friendly and approachable he is, and he plays Katy Perry in the OR. Big names in all subspecialties, with a culture that focuses on resident education.
Didactics / Teaching
Excellent didactics, good mix of attending- and resident-led specialty conferences with fracture conferences weekly. Indications conferences were the best I’ve seen on the sub-I trail, which shows the focus here is not just on resident training, but also education. Lots of one-on-one mentorship by the (very well-connected) attendings, which translates into the best fellowships every single year (I know every program says that, but take a look at the actual list). Microsurgery course and international electives are pretty unique to this program too.
Operating Experience
Possibly the only knock on the program is that the operative experience is top-heavy. Not as much operative autonomy as a PGY-1 or 2, but in terms of operative skill, the 4s/5s here were outclassing many of the senior residents and even fellows I saw at other supposedly operatively heavy places. A large part of that is likely due to the fact that all the attendings actually know the residents’ names and can trust them and teach them more as time goes on. By nature of being in NYC, you're not going to see a lot of high-speed blunt trauma here, but 4 months at Shock Trauma in Baltimore is probably the most advanced trauma experience you’d get coming out of an NYC residency.
Clinic Experience
Lots of autonomy in the clinic, and attendings really challenge the residents to become proficient at indicating and pre-/post-operative care. The majority of the patients in clinic do speak Spanish, and although there are in-person and phone translators, it can slow you down if you don’t have at least a basic command of the language. Same when it comes to inpatient rounding.
Research Opportunities
Fantastic research opportunities, which are continuously growing (e.g. brand new Carroll basic science laboratories). Proven track record of quality and quantity of resident publications. Research labs have full-time staff who are motivated and interested in working with residents on projects, along with plenty of biostats, biomechanics, and microsurgery/veterinary support for your projects.
Residents
My favorite group of residents from the sub-I/interview trail, and certainly a strength of the program. A cohesive group of really down-to-earth, interesting, and normal people who have lives outside of work. The residents seem like they truly enjoy working together and hanging out with each other, which is a good sign as a prospective ortho resident knowing you’ll be spending more time with your co-residents than your family sometimes.
Lifestyle
A huge draw of Columbia. Residents obviously work hard and learn what they need to, and get killed during PGY-2 year (like anywhere else). But unlike a lot of other programs, PGY-3 year is great, and life continues to be fantastic 4th and 5th year. Night float also means residents have time to go home and enjoy life and read up for the next day’s cases.
Location / Housing
NYC is great, but Washington Heights isn’t the most happening neighborhood; it is a great inexpensive option though if you don’t mind living near the hospital. Most residents live on the Upper West Side, but some commute in from further downtown, Jersey, Upper East Side, Brooklyn, etc.
Limitations
Less operative experience in the first 2 years of residency, but a more thought-out mentorship model means that residents don’t have to introduce themselves to attendings as a senior resident, so you’re actually trusted to do more in the OR by the time you’re a senior. Clinic/rounding can be difficult if you don’t have basic Spanish language skills coming into residency. Going away for four months for trauma can be a pain, but if you’re going to go anywhere, might as well go to the best trauma hospital in the northeast and learn from leaders in the field.
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
Everything that a premier academic program has to offer, in the greatest city in the world. Incredibly happy and cohesive residents who enjoy access to unparalleled mentorship and academic resources. Resident-focused program results in the best fellowship match every year, and consistently produces leaders in the field who are not just excellent technicians, but also thoughtful and well-rounded surgeons.
