Resident Experience

 

W

e feel that the residents passing through Allegheny General Hospital become well rounded Orthopedic Surgeons as attendings.  The operative experience at AGH is extensive and begins as soon as each resident’s 3 months of Orthopedic electives begin during the PGY 1 year.  

 When on Orthopedic electives, the PGY 1 resident is primarily responsible for the emergency department, as well as floor consults.  During down time, however, the residents are encouraged to seek out cases of interest on any given rotation.  Typically, when involved in a case, the PGY 1 will be instructed by an upper level resident or fellow with attending supervision.  When an upper level resident is away, the first year steps in and assumes all of the responsibilities of the away resident.

 Case logs begin in the PGY 2 year.  With the exception of the Hand and Trauma rotations, the PGY 2 is likely to be the chief of their own service.  All cases done on their service are their responsibility.  Additionally, when no PGY 1 is available, the second years are responsible for Emergency Department calls andfloor consults.  This responsibility is shared by all residents; however, the majority is shouldered by the PGY 1 and 2 residents. 

In general, PGY 5 residents leave the program with 1,800-2,500 procedures logged over the course of 4 years. 

 
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All residents are responsible for at least one half day of clinic per week for each rotation that they are involved in.  The amount of overall clinic varies from rotation to rotation (2 ½ days for Peds, full day of Spine, etc.).  In addition, in the Chief year, the PGY 5 residents are responsible for 4 months of Chief clinic.  This consists of an afternoon of clinic each week where the Chief resident sees patients with Dr. Pifer.  Cases are scheduled in conjunction with Dr. Pifer, however, the decision making, pre-operative planning, execution of the case, and post-operative care are primarily under the control of the Chief resident.