Orthopedic Hand Surgery Fellowship

Curriculum

Fellows will spend at least three days in the operating room, one and a half days in clinic and a half day dedicated to research time each week.

We offer elective learning experiences, including pediatrics, trauma and elbow/shoulder sports medicine.

Longitudinal Rotations

Our program curriculum incorporates longitudinal rotations, immersing trainees in particular areas of study throughout the entire duration of the training program.

• Operating Room

  The Operating Room curriculum is a 12-month rotation that will provide the fellow with a comprehensive approach to the surgical management of patients with hand and upper extremity conditions. Fellows will spend no less than three days in the OR performing cases at Baptist Health Surgery Centers located in Coral Gables and Plantation, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, and Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

• Clinic

  Fellows will spend between one and one and a half days in clinic evaluating patients with hand and upper extremity conditions. Fellows will evaluate patients before surgery and follow them throughout their post-op care. Our 49,000-square-foot recently renovated outpatient facility consists of three floors of physician clinics with 42 exam rooms.

  The new pod concept with touchdown staff work areas will allow clinical teams to collaborate across subspecialties. Physician offices include a dedicated Fellow’s Office. During clinic, the allied health professionals include physician assistants, certified athletic trainers and medical assistants who support physicians. Our practice currently uses the Cerner electronic health record that is also used in inpatient settings. Fellows will receive specialized training in this system as part of their onboarding.

• Research

  Fellows will actively participate in their own original research and can join ongoing projects. Fellows will receive support from certified clinical research coordinators, volunteers and a research and education coordinator. Other resources will include the medical library and a BioSkills Lab.

  Microsurgery and Bio-Skills Training

  Microsurgery training is an integral part of the Hand Fellowship education and a one-week course in basic microsurgical techniques will be conducted at our Microsurgery Laboratory located at the affiliated Florida International University. Advanced microsurgical skills training days are spaced throughout the fellowship year.

  The BioSkills Lab will be an integral part of the educational program and will provide a simulated surgical setting that allows our physicians to conduct hands-on cadaveric evaluations, surgical education, research studies and clinical trials. The lab has broadcast capabilities for a seamless learning experience.

  Fellows will receive a laptop and a dedicated office space to use during their fellowship year that will assist with their research projects.

• Didactics

  Faculty, fellows and allied health professionals actively participate in the program's didactic education series.

  The didactics include:

  • Hand Surgery Lecture series: Weekly teaching conference dedicated to hand, where presenters will vary each week and will include the program director, program faculty, and physical and occupational therapists who will lead some weekly conferences.
  • Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Lecture Series: Weekly teaching conference in conjunction with the orthopedic sports medicine fellows and faculty for upper extremity topics.
  • Journal Club: A monthly series to discuss various topics from the Journal of Hand Surgery and other relevant peer-reviewed publications, both current and classic (i.e., Stern Selected Readings in Hand Surgery).
  • Case Review Conference/ M&M: A monthly series to present and discuss interesting cases from our own and/or case reports from the literature, followed by discussion.
  • Bio-Skills Lab: Monthly surgical techniques hands-on cadaver lab training with faculty members.
  • Videos: Fellows will use the ASSH Hand 50 videos that represent the topics that all hand fellows should know well. These videos are available to augment the formal education of the fellowship program. To give fellows a broad perspective, some topics will be covered by more than one lecturer.
• Rehabilitation

  The primary purpose of rehabilitation services will be to provide assessment, treatment, and education to patients and their family members. The rehabilitation plan is designed to promote health, restore function, and improve overall lifestyle. Fellows will collaborate directly with physical therapists and certified athletic trainers.

• Teaching

  Each year, fellows will participate as instructors for the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Musculoskeletal Course. This course will allow them to develop and hone their skills as they teach fourth-year medical students.