Testimonials
Class of 2016
Nathan Monaco, MD
Nathan Monaco, MD
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
One of the first things I noticed about the UPMC Hamot Orthopedic Residency Program was the pervading atmosphere of happiness that could be found among the residents. Overall, I was very impressed by the seemingly collegial, pleasant, and light-hearted nature of all the residents and staff associated with the program. It was great to see this attitude combined with hard work ethic and professionalism. After only a few short months at UPMC Hamot, I am starting to realize why the UPMC Hamot Orthopedic Residency is so unique.
First of all, our program is full of opportunity from both an academic and clinical standpoint. The hospital system serves a large patient population in Northwestern Pennsylvania and consequently, the residents are exposed to and involved with the treatment of a multitude of common orthopedic problems on a daily basis. Several attending physicians operate at UPMC Hamot, and this enables the residents to observe surgical techniques and patient management from more than one perspective. Many of the residents take advantage of the opportunity to become involved in research. UPMC Hamot has a resident clinic where the residents can become direct providers of care for patients during the course of our training. Each morning there is dedicated time for both didactic lecture sessions and fracture conference. There are monthly journal club meetings and the residents actively encourage each other to stay updated on current literature.
Outside of the hospital setting, the residents are able to have a great balance between life and work. Many of the residents are married or have children. The cost of living in Erie is relatively lower than many major cities. Erie offers a number of outdoor activities for those interested. There are a number of resident benefits, such as parking, a meal stipend and resident lounge. The residents routinely meet outside of work for various fun activities such as basketball, golf, football, hunting and ultimate frisbee, just to name a few.
It would be easy for me to continue to elaborate on all of the great aspects of our residency program, but I would encourage interested medical students to experience the program first-hand by arranging an away rotation or visit. I am proud to be a new member of the UPMC Hamot Orthopedic Residency because of all the great opportunities provided by our training program. I would recommend that applicants give serious consideration to joining our team.
Lee Radford, MD
Lee Radford, MD
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
My experience at UPMC Hamot has been exactly what I expected and hoped for when I visited. The learning opportunities are plentiful and the learning environment is one that is enjoyable but still holds you accountable. It really starts from the top down and learning through hands on teaching is truly encouraged by the attending surgeons, senior residents, and through our didactic lectures each day. As an intern the operative experience has been hands on from day one. When past residents have stated that the operative experience and camaraderie with the residents is why they chose UPMC Hamot they are right. It has been an enjoyable experience learning how to operate and I couldn't be happier to be in this residency program.
Class of 2015
Liam Dwyer, MD
Liam Dwyer, MD
Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
The UPMC Hamot Orthopaedic Residency Program is a close-knit group of Doctors working together to become excellent Orthopaedic surgeons with a profound fund of knowledge and superb patient care skills. The staff, attendings, and senior residents all have an invested interest in the underclassman and do everything they can to guide and mentor them throughout their residency.
Scott Rogers, MD
Scott Rogers, MD
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
I chose to do my Orthopaedic training at UPMC Hamot for a couple of very important reasons. First, the camaraderie among the residents, which was evident from the time of my first visit. The residents go to great lengths to help, teach, and "hang-out" with one another, which produces a great working and learning environment. The next reason I chose UPMC Hamot is the operative experience. From the first week of my intern year I have been in the OR and doing more than just retracting. We are encouraged to actively participate in all operative procedures. Also, taking Orthopaedic call throughout our intern year gives us a head start to becoming the best Orthopaedic surgeons we can become. Finally, Erie is a great city for my family and myself. It's affordable, safe, and fun. I have no regrets about choosing UPMC Hamot as the program to help me become a proficient and well-prepared Orthopaedic surgeon.
Daniel Tayag, MD
Daniel Tayag, MD
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
As a new intern I am enjoying my time here at UPMC Hamot. The daily fracture conferences, ortho lectures, and the experience of taking call with the more senior residents ensure that you keep up with everything you need to know and maximize your learning experience. The Ortho clinic is very stimulating and provides the opportunity to exercise and practice your clinical evaluation skills. The residents and staff also genuinely care about your development into a very capable Orthopaedic surgeon as well.
Class of 2014
Ian Rice, MD
Ian Rice, MD
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
UPMC Hamot represents a new paradigm in orthopedic residency education with a curriculum emphasizing balance and gradually increasing exposure and responsibility. For example, in contrast to traditional residencies that limit orthopedic exposure to 2-3 months of intern year, UPMC Hamot's internship includes nine months of orthopedic call and 12 months of orthopedic clinic experience and orthopedic morning conference. Thus, UPMC Hamot residents learn the basics of the field early and begin learning advanced surgical principles sooner. Rather than a traditional curriculum that emphasizes operative experience in the final two years of residency, UPMC Hamot residents operate from the first day of intern year, and enjoy an impressive level of autonomy as a second and third year resident. Chief residents function as junior attendings and have accumulated the experience to thrive in that role. The operative case volume at UPMC Hamot has exceeded my expectations and prepares residents well for busy private practices. The curriculum is well-balanced, with particular strengths in trauma, hand, joints, sports, and good exposure in foot and ankle, pediatrics, and other subspecialties that prepare residents for any fellowship or general practice.
UPMC Hamot's residency also takes a refreshing approach to perks and ancillary services for residents, including a competitive salary, 20 days of vacation (not including holidays), free covered parking immediately adjacent to the hospital, a generous meal stipend, a fully-stocked kitchen in the resident lounge, and a free laundering service for our white coats, among other benefits. Our health insurance coverage is very competitive with other residencies I encountered as a medical student on the interview trail. These benefits make our non-orthopedic lives easier, more comfortable, and permit us to devote more time toward learning orthopedics.
Erie offers a good place to live during residency with affordable housing and cost of living that motivates most residents to own homes and have enough discretionary income to enjoy the time away from work. Most of our residents are married and nearly half have children, a testament to the balance we enjoy between work and family life. Admittedly as a foodie I was pleased to discover that a diverse array of restaurants in Erie offer Thai, Indian, French, Italian, Greek, Lebanese, and other cuisines. My wife was pleased to discover that the major mall in Erie offers stores such as Express, Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, The Gap, Old Navy, Macy's and stores adjacent to the mall include Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, DSW, etc.
I encourage interested medical students to visit the program for a formal away rotation or at least a brief "second look" or "early look," even if only a day. Pat Rogers is happy to arrange free accommodations within walking distance of the hospital or students can stay with one of the residents at their homes. The residents collectively ensure that students eat well (and free). Visiting students that experience the program first-hand appreciate why everyone at UPMC Hamot considers the program one of the best hidden gems in the country.
Lee Stowell, MD
Lee Stowell, MD
Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University
I have found UPMC Hamot to be a perfect fit for me in providing everything I was looking for in a residency program. I could not be happier with my decision. Faculty oversight is provided by outstanding physicians who are well respected in their fields, and for whom resident education is an important aspect of their practices. I truly feel they have my best interest in mind and want to make me the best surgeon I can become. The program leadership and ancillary support staff ensure that things are as hassle free as possible, from parking and meals to licensure applications. In addition, volume, early operative experience, daily didactics, great benefits, and a resident-run clinic round out, and further enhance the experience here. Outside of work, Erie has many things to offer year-round. It has been a fantastic place for my wife and I to raise our kids; great schools, safe neighborhoods, beaches, museums and plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. For my family and I and what we were looking for, UPMC Hamot has truly provided an unparalleled quality of training and overall experience.
Class of 2013
Nicholas E. Crosby, MD
Nicholas E. Crosby, MD
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
UPMC Hamot is a great place for my orthopaedic training. The camaraderie among the residents is a great strength, and there is a genuine concern for one another. The attending physicians are very interested in our training, and they assume the primary responsibility of our operative education. As the major trauma hospital in the area, we have plenty of volume, and we have great coverage of subspecialties. Daily didactics are interactive and relevant, and clinical skills and assessment abilities are strengthened in our own resident-run clinic. Erie has also been a great place to live. My wife and kids enjoy the many activities available in a family-oriented city. There are plenty of year-round outdoor activities to enjoy during free time, including my favorites of golf, hunting and fishing. The beaches, zoo, museums and parks provide great entertainment for my family. We couldn't ask for a better place to call home during residency, and I can't say enough about the quality of training here.
Gregory A. Daut, MD
Gregory A. Daut, MD
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
I chose UPMC Hamot for two reasons: the amazing resident camaraderie that I observed during my visit and the early operative experience. I have not been disappointed in the slightest. The intern year has been excellent for orthopaedic exposure. The standard two month rotations plus an additional 10 months of ortho call and ortho clinic twice a week all year long both far exceeded my expectations. This group of residents genuinely cares about one another and has a good time together. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
Tom A. Hong, MD
Tom A. Hong, MD
Drexel University College of Medicine
The education, operative experience and camaraderie at UPMC Hamot are unparalleled. The support from the faculty is tremendous. I am very well taken care of as a resident at UPMC Hamot.
Class of 2012
Jeremy D. Onnen, MD
Jeremy D. Onnen, MD
University of Michigan Medical School
I was looking for two things out of a residency program: I wanted hands-on learning as soon as possible and an environment where learning is a priority. From your first day at UPMC Hamot you take buddy call on orthopaedics and are helping in the surgeries. You are not just stuck on the floor taking care of patients. You learn very quickly how to handle trauma patients in the ED as well. Here at UPMC Hamot, all of the attendings are approachable and seem interested in your education. Daily ortho and fracture conferences keep you reading and learning as well as reviewing what you need to know. UPMC Hamot's residents are well taken care of. The benefits package, food, CLOSE parking, salary, cost of living and insurance are all great here. These things may not matter too much for some people, but they make it easier to focus on what you are here for-your education.
Vamsi M. Singaraju, MD
Armed Forces Medical College
Contact
For more information regarding the Orthopaedic Residency program at UPMC Hamot, please contact Pat Rogers, C-TAGME, GME Program Administrator, by phone at 814-877-6257 or via email at pat.rogers@hamot.org.
