The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery residency program's mission is to produce orthopaedic surgeons who become role models for their communities, their colleagues and their patients.

Through the course of the five-year program, we provide a didactic educational program that focuses on current literature for junior residents and in-depth preparation for senior residents entering fellowship or general practice. Our lecture format has been replaced with small-group case discussions based on reading assignments.

We encourage early engagement with research and require residents to complete at least one research project before they graduate. We leverage the stellar reputations and connections of our faculty to expose residents to national and regional leadership activities.

We expect that graduates will be fully trained surgeons who are competent in all major areas of orthopaedics. Although many of our residents match successfully in nationally recognized fellowships, some of our residents choose to begin general practice after residency completion.

How to Apply

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery residency program participates in the National Residency Match Program and takes applications for residency exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) each fall.

Applicants interested in applying for residency, whether current medical students, international medical graduates or previously unmatched applicants should apply directly through ERAS. To be considered, an applicant must have completed their ERAS application process, including:

  • Completed ERAS application form
  • Med school transcript
  • USMLE Step 1 scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Completed applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty and residents. We anticipate offering two interview days — mid-December and early January. There are limited interview spaces available, and they will fill on a first-come, first-served basis once invitations have gone out. All applicants will be notified of the dispensation of their file.

There is limited availability for a second look should the applicant wish to come back after interviews have completed. Interested applicants should notify Madison Pearson as soon as possible post-interview to arrange.

Residency interview process

Applicants are invited to an informal social gathering on Friday evening. Interviews are held on Saturday morning, beginning at 6 a.m. More information will be provided with the interview invitation.

Interviews take place at the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute at 1100 Virginia Avenue, Columbia, MO.

After a brief introduction to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Residency by our chairman, applicants will be divided into two groups so one group will start interviews while the other takes a resident-led tour of the hospital, clinics and facilities. The groups will alternate in mid-morning.

Residency training at MU