Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program

1. Must have graduated from or be in final year of a medical school accredited by

LCME (MD) or

AOA (DO)

1. Must be eligible for employment and GME training in the USA
2. U.S. citizen / permanent resident / valid work visa required
3. Must have completed USMLE Step 1 (mandatory)
4. Must complete USMLE Step 2 (CK/CS) before joining the program
5. Strong academic and professional profile including:
6. Clinical knowledge and patient care skills
7. Research / publications / academic activities
8. Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
9. Required documents:
10. Personal statement
11. Medical school transcript
12. Dean’s letter (MSPE)
13. 3 letters of recommendation (one non-orthopaedic preferred)
14. CV
15. USMLE score reports

The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco is a rigorous and highly competitive academic training program designed to develop proficient orthopaedic surgeons with strong clinical, surgical, and research capabilities. The program provides comprehensive exposure to a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions through hands-on training at UCSF and its affiliated hospitals, where residents manage both routine and highly complex cases. The curriculum is structured to include rotations across all major orthopaedic subspecialties such as trauma, spine, sports medicine, joint reconstruction, pediatric orthopaedics, oncology, and hand surgery, ensuring well-rounded expertise. Alongside intensive operative experience, residents participate in structured didactic sessions, case discussions, and interdisciplinary learning, while also engaging in research, quality improvement, and scholarly activities. The program emphasizes a collaborative and inclusive environment, encouraging innovation, leadership, and academic excellence, and aims to train surgeons who can make significant contributions to patient care and advance the field at local, national, and global levels.

1. Apply via ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service)
2. Submit all required documents online
2. Application Review
3. UCSF reviews applications based on academic merit, experience, and overall profile
3. Interview Selection
4. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews
5. Evaluation includes communication skills, clinical aptitude, and personality
4. Interview Process
5. Conducted by faculty and selection committee
6. Performance + overall application used for ranking
5. NRMP Match (Final Selection)
6. Candidates submit rank list
7. UCSF submits its rank list
8. Final selection through National Resident Matching Program (Match)
6. Final Appointment & Verification
7. Background checks, credential verification, and attestation required before joining