Q&A: New residency program aims to teach innovative advances in orthopedic surgery
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Key takeaways:
- Morristown Medical Center has established an orthopedic surgery residency program and a 1-year fellowship program in adult reconstruction.
- In 2022, surgeons performed more than 11,500 orthopedic surgeries.
Morristown Medical Center announced it established a comprehensive medical education program comprised of a 5-year orthopedic surgery residency and 1-year fellowship in adult reconstruction, according to a press release.
Led by James C. Wittig, MD, chair of the department of orthopedics at Morristown Medical Center and medical director of orthopedic oncology at Atlantic Health System, the release noted the curriculum will include clinical training in orthopedics, didactic learning and extensive patient care experience.
Healio spoke with Wittig to learn more about the new residency and fellowship programs at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, New Jersey.
Healio: What led to the decision to launch a new orthopedic residency and fellowship program at this present time?
Wittig: When I started as the chair of the department of orthopedics in August 2018, it was evident to me that, in addition to having an amazing department of orthopedic surgeons at Morristown Medical Center, they were also doing an extremely high volume of cases. In fact, we are still among the highest volume institutions in the country with top quality ratings. It was a no brainer that we should be a teaching institution, instructing future orthopedic surgeons to be among the top in the U.S.
To give a snapshot of our volume, in 2022 alone, we performed more than 11,500 orthopedic surgeries, including close to 5,000 joint replacements, nearly 500 orthopedic oncology cases and nearly 1,700 spine surgeries.
As far as timing, without a doubt, COVID-19 interfered with our plans a little bit, but we were determined, and we are proud that we are now underway. I’m excited about bringing us to the next level as a teaching institution for future orthopedic surgeons to gain top-notch skills, experience and knowledge to become some of the best in the U.S.
Healio: Please provide some information about the orthopedic residency program.
Wittig: This is our first orthopedic residency program at Morristown Medical Center. We are starting off with an inaugural class of four stellar residents who come from different geographic areas of the U.S. We chose these four students from more than 200 applicants. They all have diverse backgrounds, all had stellar performance in medical school as well as on their clinical rotations.
Healio: Please provide some information about the fellowship in adult reconstruction program.
Wittig: The fellowship in adult reconstruction program will focus on hip and knee replacements as well as revision joint replacement. As we are one of the busiest centers in the U.S. for joint replacement surgeries, we see this as an ideal opportunity for someone to pursue subspeciality training from those who are at the top of their field.
Healio: When can interested medical students begin applying to these programs?
Wittig: We had a great deal of interest early on, and, in fact, have already selected the inaugural class. For the next class, they would apply through the match program early during their fourth year of medical school.
Healio: What advice do you have for medical students interested in applying?
Wittig: You should be a student who is extremely motivated, hard-working and enthusiastic and who has excelled in medical school. We are also looking for students who have diverse backgrounds and interests. We take into consideration those who have performed clinical rotations in their third or fourth year at Morristown Medical Center. There is the direct benefit of being able to evaluate their performance directly, in addition to their orthopedic rotations at other institutions.
Healio: How may similar new programs impact the future of orthopedic surgery and medical education?
Wittig: There is an anticipated shortage of orthopedic surgeons, and it is predicted that, in the future, there will be even higher demands for patients requiring joint replacement as they age, as well as revision joint replacement surgeries. Having a residency will enable us to stay on top of what’s current in the field, and teach the latest, most innovative advancements to the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. Sharing information and experience, to me, is one of the most important and rewarding elements of my role as chair. Also, seeing our greater than 120 orthopedic surgeons cross-pollinating and sharing their experiences with students and residents truly makes all of us better.
Reference:
- Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center offers 5-year residency and 1-year fellowship in orthopedic surgery. https://www.atlantichealth.org/about-us/stay-connected/news/press-releases/2023/Morristown-Orthopedic-Residency-Fellowship.html Published May 1, 2023. Accessed June 20,2023.
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