The residency program at the University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery provides a comprehensive educational experience in the management of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system for the physician seeking accreditation as an orthopedic surgeon.

The goal of our program is to train ethical, competent orthopedic surgeons as leaders with a commitment to lifelong learning and advancing our profession with service to all people. 

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Program Highlights

Location

Embrace the Twin Cities metro area by training at six (6) key institutions.

Education

Work with a faculty of more than 80 regionally and nationally distinguished orthopedic surgeons and over 20 subspecialists who are academic leaders in their specialty fields and care for complex and challenging cases.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Train in a supportive atmosphere where differences are valued and celebrated, knowing institutional diversity fuels the advancement of knowledge, promotes improved patient care, and fosters excellence. The Department’s leadership values the contributions of women in academics, leadership, and clinical practice. Nationally, 14% of orthopedic surgery residents are female, while our program has graduated 28% females over the last 10 years.

Research

Access robust research opportunities and complete at least one original research project during residency training in conjunction with mentorship and support from our professional research staff. Collaborate with researchers in multiple disciplines, including engineering and veterinary science. Access to resources and facilities include the Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, the Musculoskeletal Research Training Program, Masonic Cancer Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Excelen Center for Bone & Joint Research and Education, Gillette Center for Gait Motion and Analysis, and TRIA Orthopedic Center.

A Letter From Department Chair Denis R. Clohisy, MD

Thank you for your interest in the University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program.

Our residency program is truly outstanding. Our department has a long tradition of prioritizing education through teaching, superb patient care, and commitment to advancing orthopedics through innovation and research.

The strengths of our program lie in our absolute commitment to resident education, as well as in the talent and energy of our faculty. Across the six institutions which you will rotate at, you will be exposed to faculty who are exceptional individuals and distinguished physicians. They will teach and guide you in acquiring the knowledge necessary to become an outstanding, ethical and compassionate orthopedic surgeon. Many of our 87 faculty have national academic reputations. They have a steadfast commitment to education, patient care, scholarly activity, and innovation.

Our residency program is highly competitive and will provide you with the opportunities to excel in the career path of your choice.

Denis R. Clohisy, MD
Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Associate Dean of Surgical/Procedural Specialties
Endowed Chair, Roby C. Thompson Endowment in Musculoskeletal Oncology
University of Minnesota

A Letter From Program Director Alicia K. Harrison, MD

Thank you for your interest in the University of Minnesota Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program. Our program has eight positions available for each class. Each resident works at six participating medical centers in the Twin Cities, offering one of the broadest, most comprehensive, and top-rated orthopedic surgery training programs in this country. Your education will include:

  • Training with national leaders in traumatology at two level I trauma centers, Hennepin County Medical Center and Regions Hospital.
  • Instruction from board certified pediatric specialists and subspecialists at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, a renowned center for care of children with disabilities.
  • Hands-on experience at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center which performs more joint arthroplasties than any other VA in the country.
  • Instruction at our flagship University of Minnesota Medical Center with over 20 subspecialists who are academic leaders in their specialty fields and care for complex and challenging orthopedic patients.
  • Training with our sports medicine doctors who care for recreational, high school, college, and professional athletes at TRIA Orthopedic Center, our state-of-the-art outpatient orthopedic facility.

We look forward to your application to the University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program. We are a nationally recognized and highly competitive program which will provide an education that is an excellent basis for your career as an orthopedic leader in general orthopedics, an orthopedic subspecialty, or in academic orthopedics.

Alicia K. Harrison, MD
Associate Professor and Residency Program Director
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Minnesota