Purpose To provide the graduate physician assistant a unique and comprehensive educational, curriculum to achieve advanced training in orthopedic surgery, non-operative sports medicine, and injury prevention. Program Goals & Objectives • Excellent and appropriate patient care is priority – always. • Optimize efficiency in the management of patient injuries in both clinic and operating suites. Assist in the development of patient care ‘processes’ and ‘protocols’ that maximizes each patient’s • timely recovery. • Work as a team with physicians, fellow PAs, therapists, nurses, medical assistants, radiologic and surgical techs, and all other ancillary staff. All play a role, and all are important to the eventual outcome of the patient. • Upon completion, the PA resident will have an in-depth understanding of multiple subspecialties within orthopedics, demonstrate highly effective physical exam skills, critical thinking, decision making, and operative techniques including first assist. • Retain highly qualified and educated PAs who wish to continue enhancing their skills and education with Direct Orthopedic Care • Develop the healthcare business skills required to independently practice in nonoperative orthopedics. Curriculum The curriculum is divided into three pillars: Academics, Clinical Skills, and Professional Development & Leadership. The didactic portion of the program follows a curriculum similar to first year (PGY-1) physician orthopedic surgery residents and uses a blended model of the Orthobullets orthopedic residency curriculum and topics from the curriculum/exam for the Orthopedic Certificate of Additional Qualification (CAQ) for PAs. Residents will participate in outpatient clinics, first-assist in the operating room, gain exposure to radiology, musculoskeletal ultrasound, sports rehabilitation, regenerative medicine, & pediatric orthopedics. Experiences include, but are not limited to sports medicine, arthroplasty, upper extremity, orthobiologics, spine, hand, & pediatrics. An in-depth orientation is provided to give residents the foundational skills necessary to excel in the academic and clinical curriculums. Ideal Candidate The Direct Orthopedic Care PA Residency Program is seeking highly energetic physician assistants who are passionate about orthopedics and looking to improve their clinical skills in addition their knowledge of how to build a successful nonoperative orthopedic surgical practice. While this opportunity will expose the residents to the operating room, first assisting, and perioperative care of orthopedic patient, the main focus will be on nonoperative orthopedics. Requirements • Graduate from an ARC-PA accredited physician assistant program • NCCPA certified (may apply and interview if eligible) • Transcripts from physician assistant program • 2 letters of recommendation • Current CV • Personal Statement • Texas PA license (or pending application)