Inside the Ortho SA Orthopedic Fellowship
Ortho SA's fellowship program is unique when it comes to shaping the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. This fellowship offers real-world experience, high-volume operative opportunities, and long-term mentorship.
Here's what makes the Ortho SA Orthopedic Fellowship truly exceptional, whether you're a new surgeon or a resident ready to take the next step.
A Fellowship Designed for True Mentorship
The majority of orthopedic fellowships today are similar to residency programs, with fellows rotating between services and having limited autonomy. One of Ortho SA's leading surgeons, Dr. Morrey, wanted something different.
“One of the main reasons to start the fellowship was the realization that many fellowships have evolved into less of a mentorship-type program and more of a continuation of residency,” says Dr. Morrey.
Fellows at Ortho SA take on the role of surgeon from day one - seeing patients, operating, and making real-world decisions with guidance from master surgeons. Through the program's apprenticeship philosophy, fellows work side-by-side with experts like Dr. Morrey and Dr. DeLee, gaining skills and confidence as they go.
Unmatched Operative Experience
For Dr. Josh Mares, the biggest surprise was just how complex and diverse the cases were.
“The operative experience has been phenomenal in every way,” he says. “Very early on, I felt prepared to go into practice largely because of the variety of cases we see.”
Fellows work with one attending for the entire year rather than juggling multiple attendings and services. As a result of this unique model, there is a greater level of consistency and trust – and greater autonomy under the guidance of experts.
“You operate so much that you don’t really worry about making mistakes because you have the guidance from master surgeons like Dr. Morrey and Dr. DeLee,” says Dr. Daniel Lo. “It’s the best attending you could hope for and you get them for the entire year.”
Teamwork that Elevates Patient Care
However, surgical skill alone is not enough. Through Ortho SA's fellowship program, future surgeons learn how to lead a team, from the first assistant to the scrub tech to the floor nurse.
“You’re only as good as your team,” says Dr. Lo. “Helping empower your team and facilitating everyone doing well for the patient, that’s what it’s about.”
Surgical fellows leave not just better surgeons, but also better leaders, ready to build strong surgical teams that deliver excellent patient outcomes.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Ortho SA may be the opportunity you've been looking for if you're an aspiring orthopedic surgeon wishing to develop real surgical skills, foster lifelong mentorship, and prepare yourself for every aspect of practice.