Hand and Microvascular Surgery Fellowship

The Hand Fellowship is designed for fellows to acquire both clinical and surgical skills in a graduated fashion over a one-year period. The skills acquired include: history taking, regional physical examination, and indications for and interpretation of musculoskeletal diagnostic tests. Fellows will be instructed in the formulation of a differential diagnosis and will be encouraged to acquire a comprehensive approach to the evaluation and management of hand and upper extremity problems. Attendance at conferences, hand surgical texts, and faculty all aid in this process. Operative skills are acquired through exposure in the major and minor operating rooms and one on one teaching where applicable and needed.

As the year progresses, there will be increased responsibility both in the outpatient and operating room setting. In the outpatient setting, the fellow is expected to hone his/her skills in information gathering, formulation of a differential diagnosis, and formulation of treatment plans with acceptable alternatives. In the operating room, the fellow will ultimately be expected to perform standard hand surgical procedures with minimal supervision. The fellowship program has ample case material in which to develop all facets of patient care skills and graduated responsibility.