Previous Residents

Hometown: Mandeville, LA

Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University

Medical/Research Interests: My research interests are in global surgery, clinical outcomes, biomedical engineering, and medical device design.

Why did you choose Northwestern: chose Northwestern because it checked all of my standard boxes (mid-size program, healthy culture, academic program, surgical experience, good relationships between residents and with the faculty) and beyond (in Chicago, supported women in ortho, strength across all subspecialties, opportunities in global surgery). Ultimately, I felt like Northwestern was the right fit for me and where I would be successful in training to be the best orthopedic surgeon I can be.

Advice to prospective residents: Go with your gut – you will know when you feel like you fit in at a place. You shouldn’t choose your residency based on one person, but even one conversation can tell you a lot about a program. Also, find what you are passionate about and then find a program that will support and encourage that.

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Undergrad: Troy University

Medical/Research Interests: I would like to analyze patient outcomes for single and multi-level Spine Surgeries and research amputation techniques that decrease limb and prosthetic pain thereby leading to increased function and mobility for Veterans.

Why did you choose Northwestern: Northwestern Orthopedics gives the opportunity to obtain experience at Cook County and work at the main hospital. This diversity along with elective and trauma surgical experience makes Northwestern a very balanced program. As a former Special Operations military member, I was drawn to the emphasis that Northwestern places on developing leaders within the field.

Advice to prospective residents: Consider the personalities and mentality of the faculty and residents that you would like to spend the next 5 years with, and whether the organization will provide an environment where you can both learn and excel. Consider the didactics, surgical skills, and research opportunities that each program offers.

Hometown: Laguna Niguel, CA

Undergrad: University of California Los Angeles

Medical/Research Interests: Orthopaedic trauma, radiation exposure in healthcare, medical education

Why did you choose Northwestern: Northwestern offers a diverse set of clinical experiences that prepares its residents for any future practice setting. The faculty are experts in their respective fields and passionate about resident education. The camaraderie among residents is second to none.

Advice to prospective residents: Look for a program with a positive culture where the residents push each other to be better every single day.

Hometown: Albany, NY

Undergrad: Dartmouth College

Medical/Research Interests: I'm interested in the intersection between orthopedics and health policy

Why did you choose Northwestern: had three criteria when evaluating programs during interview season: 1) Ample training opportunities, with the chance to run a high volume trauma service during residency, 2) family-like atmosphere among the residents with faculty that took a genuine interest in the well-being and success of trainees, 3) research resources (and their availability to orthopedics residents) of the larger university beyond just what the department could offer. Northwestern excels in all three areas, so the decision to rank Northwestern highly was easy for me. Also, and this point cannot be overstated, Chicago is an incredible place to live and work.

Advice to prospective residents: We are all very lucky that outstanding clinical training is widely available across many orthopedics programs. With that in mind, when deciding between programs, my advice would be to look for "your people." You don't have to rotate somewhere to get a sense of the culture fit (though it definitely helps!) with faculty and co-residents. I didn't rotate at Northwestern, but within ten minutes of the pre-interview social event, I felt that I would fit in with the culture here. I'd also advise you to reach out to faculty at the programs you are considering with specific questions about your interests and your passions and incorporate their response into your decision making. To that end, I felt that the faculty at Northwestern were (and are) committed to helping me get where I want to go in my life and career, not just where they think I should go, which is rare among mentors.

Hometown: Lake Forest, IL

Undergrad: University of Notre Dame

Medical/Research Interests: Trauma, clinical outcomes, opioid use

Why did you choose Northwestern: While rotating as a medical student, I was extremely impressed by the people throughout the program. In addition, the sense of community, exceptional training opportunities, dedication to education and service, and location in Chicago all drew me to Northwestern.

Advice to prospective residents: Seek out a program with a strong culture and values well-aligned with your own.

Hometown: Severna Park, MD

Undergrad: University of Maryland at College Park

Medical/Research Interests: Orthopedic Surgery The use of simulation in training orrthopedic surgeons

Why did you choose Northwestern: While doing an away rotation at Northwestern, I got an inside look at resident culture, attending-fellow-resident interactions, and resident education. The resident culture creates a sense of real friendship and family. The attendings are brilliant educators and enjoyable to work with. The didactic curriculum is extensive and effective. All of these reasons led me to choose Northwestern for my residency training. Getting to live in Chicago certainly helps too.

Advice to prospective residents: Work hard. Ask questions. Be honest to yourself about what you value in a training program.