Mass General Brigham Adult Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship

Overview

Fellows participate in an educational program based at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital. They work with 10 different attending surgeons both in the outpatient and inpatient setting. Rotation structure is based on a mentorship model, allowing for conceptual and technical mastery over the course of 8-week blocks. There are seven fellowship positions per year.

Highlights of the educational program include weekly faculty-guided lectures, case-based indications conference, local grand rounds, and research team discussions. Fellows are given the opportunity to attend research conferences and fellow courses throughout the year. This is in addition to a host of local industry sponsored symposia and certification opportunities offered to MGB fellows.

Requirements

Potential Fellows must be graduates of a US Residency Programs and be Board Eligible. Fellows must have outstanding recommendations and history of clinical and educational excellence.

This fellowship participates in the national matching program.

Curriculum

Fellows participate in our daily 6:45 AM conference series where there are presentations and didactic lectures from experts in basic science, anatomy, radiology and core concepts in arthroplasty. We also review pertinent clinical topics in our Journal Club. Multiple cadaver labs are hosted over the course of the year for fellow education. Case-based indications conference allows for department collaboration in reviewing and previewing complex arthroplasty cases on a weekly basis, with application of core knowledge and review of existing literature.

Clinical Experience

Fellows must complete twelve months of clinical work that includes surgical care in the hospital and ambulatory settings. There are six to seven 8-week rotations. Case experiences include on- and off-table direct anterior and posterolateral total hip arthroplasty, robotic total hip arthroplasty, manual and robotic primary total knee arthroplasty with multiple robotic systems, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (including medial, lateral, and patellofemoral) and a variety of complex primary, revision, and conversion arthroplasty. There is a broad exposure to primary and revision implants across major manufacturers. Fellows take primary arthroplasty call with attending surgeon backup for acute operative arthroplasty indications. Fellows may opt to participate in to paid level 2 trauma call.

Research Experience

Although there is emphasis on skills useful for today's challenges in reconstructive surgery, a critical component of the fellowship is development of future techniques and clinical practices. Fellows are given the opportunity to work on various clinical and/or biomechanical studies within the department, aided by research fellows and the Harris Lab. Fellows are required to complete 2 research projects by the end of their fellowship. Research activities are reviewed on a weekly basis and there is dedicated time during the fellowship to work on academic interests.

Career Planning

Mass General hosts the oldest national arthroplasty fellowship and continues to expand its alumni network. Fellows can attend the annual Mass General/Brigham & Women’s reunion dinner at AAHKS. Fellows will be able to participate in job interviews as needed. There are regular faculty discussions regarding job procurement, contracts and networking opportunities.

How to Apply

Please mail inquiries and letters of support to:
Christopher Melnic, MD
Director, Adult Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Program
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Mailcode YAW 3700
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
Fax: (617) 724-0718
Email: MGHArthroplastyFellowship@mgb.org

The Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital fellowships are combining, starting with the fellow class of 2028-20289. The information above pertains to those fellows starting August 1, 2028 and beyond.

For our 2027-2028 fellows:

• If you have questions related to the MGH Adult Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, reach out to Liz Watts: ewatts5@bwh.harvard.edu
• If you have questions related to the BWH Total Joint Arthroplasty Fellowship, reach out to Nancy Alessi: nalessi@bwh.harvard.edu