Arrowhead Orthopedics Orthopedic Surgery PA Residency

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to provide postgraduate Physician Assistants the opportunity to advance their knowledge, skills, and competency beyond primary care. The Orthopaedic Surgery Physician Assistant Fellowship Program (OSPAF) is committed to providing superior postgraduate didactic and clinical training to Physician Assistants who desire specialized careers in orthopaedic surgery. This signature program provides an intense and holistic blend of learning opportunities that ensure the success of the participants as orthopaedic surgical assistants and as providers of orthopaedic care in a clinical setting. PA fellows are exposed to all aspects and subspecialties within orthopaedics.

OSPAF is a joint effort of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s Orthopedic Care Center and Arrowhead Orthopaedics. The OSPAF program is an intensive clinical and didactic training experience with an emphasis in orthopaedic emergency and trauma.

VISION STATEMENT

The Fellow will gain competency in evaluation and treatment of trauma patients, orthopaedic office procedures, evaluation and management of outpatient orthopaedic patients, and will assist surgeons in orthopaedic procedures. In addition to the 250 operative cases performed monthly by the Orthopaedic Department, we also have daily outpatient clinics that average 1,200 patient appointments per month.

The OSPAF program is a full-time twelve-month training program that requires an average of 70 hours per week of operative, clinical and emergency room based work. The program offers a certificate of completion with up to fifty CME credits authorized through the American Academy of PAs (AAPA). In addition, a benefit package including a stipend, health insurance, textbooks, meal allowance, and vacation is provided.

The Orthopaedic staff consists of thirteen full-time, board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeons with sub-specialties in the following areas: hand and upper extremity, pediatrics, spine, lower extremity, total joint replacement, sports medicine, orthopaedic trauma, foot and ankle. We offer 2 classes per year. The fall class starts in October and the Spring class starts in April of each year. Each class is preceded with three weeks of supervised orientation. Applications are accepted year-round with interviews being held in January and June.

PROGRAM HISTORY

The program was conceived and implemented by Dr. Kenneth Mudge and Ms. Debbie Winberry, PA-C, at the original San Bernardino County Hospital. The program was maintained and transitioned into the new county facility known as Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in 1999. The first graduating class of the OSPAF program was in 1995. So far, the program has graduated more than 30 classes. Program graduates are highly sought after by orthopedic practices across the country. Arrowhead Orthopaedics remains committed to providing superior sub-specialty orthopaedic services in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. The OSPAF program is but one example of the group’s commitment to excellence through postgraduate training of Physician Assistants to prepare graduates to function as Orthopaedic Specialists.