By Joseph Rosenblatt, DO, FAOAO
Program Director
The Orthopedic Surgery Residency at PCOM holds a distinguished position as one of the pioneering Osteopathic Orthopedic Residency programs in the United States. Established in 1976 by J. Brendan Wynne, DO, FACOS, FAOAO, it set a precedent for osteopathic training in orthopedic surgery. In 1990, Dr. John J. McPhilemy, DO, FAOA, assumed the role of Chairman, succeeding Dr. Wynne, under whose mentorship he had trained. Together with Dr. Maxwell Stepanuk, DO, who took on the role of Program Director, they significantly expanded and enhanced the program, establishing it as one of the largest and most respected in the field.
Over nearly five decades, PCOM has trained more than 140 Osteopathic residents. Dr. McPhilemy’s contributions were recognized with the prestigious Donald Siehl Appreciative Award by the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO) in 2015, a testament to his leadership and dedication to orthopedic education.
As an alum of this esteemed residency program, I now have the privilege of serving as its third Program Director. Leading an orthopedic residency program presents numerous challenges, uniquely navigated within PCOM’s setting. Located in Philadelphia, a city renowned for its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and top-tier medical institutions, our program thrives alongside five other Orthopedic residency programs. We benefit from the longstanding presence of the Philadelphia Orthopedic Society, founded in 1913, facilitating collaboration among residents and faculty across programs. Several of our alumni have assumed leadership roles within the society, further underscoring our program’s impact.
The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at PCOM offers a rigorous, comprehensive five-year training regimen, fostering the development of knowledgeable, skilled, compassionate, and ethical orthopedic surgeons committed to lifelong learning. Central to our success are our outstanding facilities, dedicated teaching staff, and meticulously crafted curriculum. Residents play a pivotal role in this training program, receiving intensive hands-on experience and building a solid foundation of knowledge and surgical expertise. Over 95% of our residents secure placements in prestigious fellowship programs, underscoring the quality of our training.
Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), our program currently accommodates four residents annually, each with Osteopathic Recognition. Osteopathic principles permeate our curriculum, encompassing activities such as journal clubs, office hours, hands-on techniques, and research. Embracing modern educational tools, we have integrated a state-of-the-art arthroscopic simulation lab, complemented by recently introduced VR headsets with PrecisionOS, enhancing resident training both on campus and at our affiliated teaching sites.
For further information, including an interactive map highlighting the current locations of our alumni and details on our program’s offerings, please visit our website at PCOM Orthopedics.
Precision OS Training During Orthopedic Residency
Beginning in 2022, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine orthopedic surgery residency program has used virtual reality technology from PrecisionOS to enhance hands-on learning. Using Meta Quest™ VR headsets, participants simulate surgical environments and select specific cases for practice. Before commencing each case, detailed anatomical models are available for study, enabling isolated study of individual muscles to examine their origins, insertions, and interactions with surgical instruments.
Additionally, the software allows exploration of skeletal structures devoid of soft tissue, facilitating comprehension of surgical techniques such as intramedullary nail insertion and acetabular positioning in total hip arthroplasty. PrecisionOS serves as a valuable preparatory tool for junior residents, acquainting them with procedures prior to entering the operating room. Beginning with simpler cases such as cephalomedullary nail placements, interns learn patient positioning, setup procedures, and relevant anatomy, all crucial components for their forthcoming responsibilities in surgery.
During simulated operations, trainees adjust fracture reductions and verify outcomes through simulated X-rays, gaining insights into procedural flow and instrument utilization. Real-time feedback on reduction quality, procedural duration, and accuracy further enhances learning, ensuring readiness and confidence for actual surgical scenarios. The utility of PrecisionOS continues to prove beneficial as residents progress through training.
For instance, it aids in mastering intricate techniques like retractor placement in direct anterior (DA) hip replacements. Understanding optimal positioning of acetabular retractors is vital during such procedures, where limited incisional exposure complicates intraoperative learning. Virtual reality training enables detailed exploration of anatomical nuances specific to the DA hip approach, complementing hands-on experience in the operating room and facilitating comprehensive skill development.
In summary, PrecisionOS VR technology significantly augments surgical education by providing immersive, detailed simulations that prepare residents comprehensively for real-world surgical challenges.
