Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2025
08:15
Three-Dimensional Preoperative Virtual Planning in Derotational Proximal Femoral Osteotomy
Published on: February 17, 2023
1.1K
Descriptive Analysis of Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program Directors
Frederick Mun1, Alyssa R Scott1, Nicole R Legro1
1Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances
|January 3, 2023
Summary
Most orthopaedic surgery residency program directors (PDs) are male MDs, appointed around age 45, and often complete fellowships in trauma or sports medicine. Demographics show little difference between male and female PDs.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
Background:
- Orthopaedic surgery residency program directors (PDs) play a crucial role in shaping future surgeons.
- Understanding the demographics of these leaders is essential for assessing diversity and potential biases in training programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic characteristics and professional backgrounds of U.S. orthopaedic surgery residency program directors.
- To identify trends in PD age, gender, academic affiliation, and training pathways.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of publicly available data was conducted for 189 orthopaedic surgery PDs.
- Information gathered included age, gender, medical school, residency, fellowship training, and program characteristics.
Main Results:
- The majority of PDs (90%) were male MDs, with an average age of 52 and average appointment age of 45.
- 87% of PDs completed fellowships, most commonly in trauma and sports medicine.
- No significant demographic differences were found between male and female PDs regarding age or academic/environmental factors.
Conclusions:
- Orthopaedic surgery leadership is predominantly male MDs, with a significant proportion having completed fellowship training.
- Further investigation into diversity and representation within orthopaedic surgery leadership may be warranted.
