Emory Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program

We provide superior orthopaedic training to future leaders in clincial care, education, and research.

The Emory Difference

A full spectrum of healthcare environments
A large, stable, engaged faculty
Unparalleled collegiality between residents and attendings
Tremendous early case volume resulting in rapid acquisition of knowledge and skill
Extreme clinical and educational efficiency

A Note From the Program Director

I am privileged to work with a team of associate program directors. Each is dedicated to a particular aspect of the resident experience, and each takes specific responsibility for the well-being of an individual residency class. We meet formally with resident representatives throughout the year to ensure that we are constantly improving.

Our residents work hard. They are rewarded with outstanding training in an environment that provides challenges of great breadth and depth. Our graduates are not just orthopedists, they are leaders.

This is not an old-school do-as-I say program. We choose applicants that we want to teach AND learn from. Each resident makes the program stronger. Because residents are uniquely valued at Emory, you will not find a more collegial place to train.

Let us prove it to you. Come visit. We look forward to showing you the Emory Difference.

Clifton Meals, MD

Associate Program Directors

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Preparing Leaders in Clinical Care

Emory residents encounter learning opportunities of unmatched breadth and depth. They work closely with faculty as they enjoy graduated autonomy. This occurs at an exceptionally diverse group of Atlanta’s most important health care facilities. Emory residents treat Atlanta’s underserved, veterans, professional athletes, CEOs, musicians, and mechanics. There are no gaps in the Emory orthopedics education, and Emory residents graduate prepared to hone their skills as subspecialty fellows.

“The Curtis National Hand Center has had a long time connection with the Emory orthopedic surgery training program. In the last decade our graduating classes of hand surgeons have included five fellows from Emory Orthopedic Surgery. These have been among our most talented and well trained graduates. Emory clearly provides one of the best Orthopedic training programs in the country and positions their graduates well for applying and excelling in fellowship training." - James Higgins, MD, Chief Curtis National Hand Center, Baltimore.

Preparing Leaders in Education

Emory’s didactic curriculum is robust. Residents have 2 hours + of protected lecture time each Friday. These lectures are scheduled two years in advance and are designed to prepare residents for practice and for the ABOS board exam. The core curriculum is supplemented by weekly on-service didactics, case conferences, Thursday evening grand rounds, and an online test-preparation curriculum. Many of our residents have drawn on their experience at Emory to excel in academic leadership positions.

“I am very grateful to the learning environment and mentorship that the faculty provided me both during and after my time in Atlanta. In my current role as a department chair, I continue to rely upon many clinical and leadership skills I developed at Emory.” – Lee Leddy, MD, Professor and Chair Department of Orthopaedics, Medical University of South Carolina.

Preparing Leaders in Research

Our residents are supported by the program directorship and other Emory faculty so that they prepare at least two manuscripts prior to graduation. Resident initiative, faculty engagement, regular research meetings, a team of Emory research scientists, basic science labs, a biomechanics and gait lab, and a tremendous diversity of high-tech resources frequently results in much greater productivity. Our residents publish in the most-read orthopedic journals and are a fixture at academic meetings across the country. The Emory Kelly Day Research Symposium and Visiting Professorship is our annual celebration of resident academic accomplishment. Emory has launched innumerable academic careers.

“I was able to publish 67 manuscripts during my time at Emory. I wanted 70! This work resulted in 30 presentations at reginal meetings, 40 at national meetings, and 7 at international meetings. I won 9 research-related awards. I got the fellowship of my choice and feel prepared for an academic orthopedic career. Without forcing residents to publish, Emory provides the tools for success.” – Jacob Wilson, MD, Emory Orthopaedics Residency Graduate, 2021.