Didactic Curriculum
Weekly
Didactic Conference (Wednesday, 7:00–9:00 AM)
- Location: University Medical Center – Conference Center
- Format: In-person with Zoom access for remote training sites
Lecture Series Includes:
- Orthopaedic In-Training Exam (OITE) Reviews
Staff-led, high-yield reviews focused on commonly tested material within each subspecialty. Held from July 1 through the OITE and serve as a key adjunct to exam preparation. - Specialty-Specific Basic Science & Clinical Lectures
- Quality Improvement / Patient Safety Updates
- Morbidity & Mortality (M&M) Conference
Resident-led case discussions analyzing complications through root cause analysis. Includes focused literature review and emphasizes critical thinking and complication management. - Case-Based Learning Presentations
Resident-led discussions of rare or interesting cases with associated literature review and clinical questions. - Indications Conference (PGY-2 Led)
PGY-2 residents present upcoming surgical cases for preoperative planning. Emphasis on:- Surgical indications
- Approach and implant selection
- Anticipation of complications This is a rigorous educational experience that significantly contributes to PGY-2 development.
- “Hail to the Chief” Series
Chief residents present a topic of their choice (orthopaedic or non-orthopaedic), often related to their matched subspecialty or areas of interest. - Visiting Student Lectures
Brief (10–15 minute) presentations on topics outside of medicine, fostering community and engagement.
Monthly
Journal Club (Thursday, 6:30-9:30 PM)
- Location: Rotating restaurants throughout the New Orleans area
- Industry-sponsored sessions prior to Grand Rounds
- Encourages discussion of current literature in a collegial setting
- Focus on articles relevant to the visiting professor
- Regional participation from Baton Rouge and Lafayette sites with faculty and alumni
Grand Rounds & Skills Lab (Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- Location: LSU Health New Orleans – Center for Advanced Practice
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM:
Resident, faculty, and visiting professor lectures covering rotating orthopaedic topics - 1:00 – 4:00 PM:
Cadaveric lab (industry-sponsored) focused on:- Surgical anatomy
- Approaches
- Techniques related to Grand Rounds topics
Service-Specific Education
Orthopaedic Trauma
- Location: University Medical Center – “Bone Yard”
- Weekly review of Orthopaedic Trauma Association lecture series
- Themed article discussions (e.g., upper extremity trauma)
- Informal, discussion-based learning environment focused on current controversies and treatment strategies
Pediatric Orthopaedics
- Location: Manning Family Children’s Hospital
- Monday Preoperative Conference
Case-based discussions with attending physicians reviewing:- Diagnosis
- Indications
- Surgical planning
- Friday Postoperative Conference
Review of completed cases, focusing on:- Intraoperative decision-making
- Deviations from plan and rationale
- Bi-Monthly Pediatric Grand Rounds (Fridays)
Resident-led topic discussions with active faculty engagement - Monthly Journal Club (Friday mornings)
Staff-selected articles with emphasis on treatment philosophy and variation in care
Adult Reconstruction
- Location: Ochsner Kenner Medical Center
- Weekly article review with emphasis on total knee arthroplasty
Annual Educational Opportunities
National Conferences
The program supports resident attendance at national courses and conferences.
- Requires prior approval for time off and expenses
- Most costs reimbursed after course completion
PGY-1: DePuy Synthes Orthopaedic Camp
- Location: Houston, TX
- Introductory course designed to ease transition into residency
- Covers:
- Work-life balance
- Common early pitfalls
- Management of urgent conditions
- Core procedural skills (splinting, external fixation, plating techniques)
- Founded by Chip Routt
- Costs: Course fees, travel and lodging supported with prior approval
PGY-2: Orthopaedic Trauma Course
- Location: Variable
- Courses offered by:
- Orthopaedic Trauma Association
- AO Foundation
- Attendance dependent on industry grant support (e.g., Stryker, DePuy Synthes)
- Travel and lodging supported with prior approval
PGY-3: Musculoskeletal Pathology Conference
- Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Intensive 1-day course covering:
- Bone and soft tissue tumors
- Radiographic interpretation
- Differential diagnosis
- Treatment strategies and pitfalls
- Costs: Course fees, travel and lodging supported with prior approval
PGY-4: Specialty-Specific Course
- Location: Variable
- Residents select a course aligned with their subspecialty interests
- Attendance typically dependent on industry grant support
PGY-5: Board Review Course
- Location: Variable
- Optional board preparation course
- Costs: Course fees, travel, and lodging supported with prior approval