Academic Programs | Orthopaedics | UC Davis Health

Our residency program is designed to provide hands-on training and mentorship in a supportive atmosphere. Each year, the program matched 5 new residents from an applicant pool of over 600. Residents engage in a rich curriculum that combines rigorous clinical practice with research opportunities, allowing them to develop specialized skills and knowledge in their chosen field. Collaborating with esteemed faculty, residents receive personalized guidance to help shape their careers and achieve their professional goals.

The UC Davis Department of Orthopaedic Surgery residency program, in collaboration with the United States Air Force, offers one active duty postgraduate training position in each new residency class.

Integrated Air Force residents will complete the same ACGME-accredited 5-year Orthopaedic Surgery curriculum as their civilian counterparts, with the addition of rotations at David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB. Integrated residents will be on active duty orders throughout their training and will be entitled to pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and grade.

For those seeking to advance their expertise, our fellowship programs offer intensive training in various subspecialties. These programs emphasize both clinical excellence and scholarly activities, equipping fellows with the tools necessary to become leaders in their field. Through collaborative research and unique clinical experiences, fellows are prepared to tackle complex challenges and innovate within the healthcare landscape.

The UC Davis Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is committed to training the next generation of orthopaedic physician-scientists. Research is an integral part of the residency experience, and all residents are expected and encouraged to participate in scholarly activity throughout their training. Our department provides extensive infrastructure, mentorship, and funding opportunities to support residents in clinical outcomes research, basic science investigation, and dedicated research years.

Under the leadership of Barton Wise, M.D., M.Sc., FACP, the department’s full-time Postdoctoral Research Program provides an exceptional training environment for emerging scientists. Designed to cultivate the next generation of orthopaedic researchers, the program offers a comprehensive experience that prepares scholars for independent, impactful careers in their chosen fields.

Our department is committed to enriching the educational journey of medical students. We provide a wealth of resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that enhance learning and foster professional growth. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects, gain clinical exposure, and participate in interdisciplinary initiatives, all of which are designed to prepare them for successful careers in medicine.

Through the UC Davis School of Medicine, a variety of Orthopaedic Surgery classes are offered for credit. Please review the UC Davis General Catalog for a listing of these courses.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Summer Scholar Program is offered to UC Davis medical students during the summer between their first and second years of medical school. This program introduces students to research opportunities in orthopaedic basic science, translational science, and clinical research. This six-week program includes both research and clinical components.

Please visit the visiting students website for more information on the application process.

Join us in cultivating a vibrant academic community where residents, fellows, and medical students thrive, driven by a shared passion for excellence in healthcare.