Orthotics residency
The residency model that has been implemented at Children's Memorial Hospital consists of a series of designated clinical rotations designed to ensure that specific content areas are thoroughly addressed during training. For each rotation, trainees have an ABC-certified practitioner as a designated mentor to provide support, guidance and feedback.
The mentor-resident relationship
The mentor-resident relationship is one of the most important elements of the residency. During the rotations, the resident shadows the mentor including coverage of specific clinics. The process becomes a continuous learning experience whether under direct or in-direct supervision. The shift and degree to which supervision is implemented is based on previous clinical rotations, knowledge base, clinical skills and the mastery of family-practitioner skills related to feelings or emotions. In all cases, either the mentor or resident director need to sign off on patient cases.
During each clinical rotation, participants are asked to present one clinical case at the weekly staff meeting. In addition to the case study, the resident, mentor and resident director meet weekly to discuss residents' assigned research papers and evidence-based medicine related to cases seen during each rotation. For example, a resident going through the spinal rotation may see a patient with scoliosis and be assigned readings specific to scoliosis and required to respond to related clinical questions using the evidence-based model of learning.
The clinical rotations include:
- Fabrication
- Spinal
- General orthopedics
- Hand Clinic
o Cranial molding helmets
o Sports Medicine - Cerebral palsy/Neuromuscular pathologies
- Serial casting
- Comprehensive rotation
Evaluation/Assessment
On the first Monday of every month, the resident and resident director meet for a scheduled monthly evaluation. During this time, the resident director assesses the performance of the resident, provides feedback, and address any concerns that the resident might have.
Research/Community project
Specific time is designated each week for the resident to work on the NCOPE-required research project, and the resident and resident director meet monthly to discuss the project's progress. In addition, the resident identifies a community project (as required by NCOPE) and provides a timeline for completion.
Application process for orthotic residency
Individuals interested in applying for the orthotic resident position at Children's Memorial must complete the online application and provide the necessary supporting documentation. The following items constitute the “application packet” and must be sent together. These items include the following:
For U.S. and non U.S. residents
- Completed application
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation
- Completed performance assessment from orthotic instructor/professor (Note: This does not need to be submitted with the application packet since the person completing the assessment will be prompted to perform an electronic submission. Resident candidates should direct instructor/professor to the website and access point to complete the assessment.)
- Submission of current resume
- Signed verification checklist
- Passport size photo attached to the upper left-hand corner of the application
For non U.S. residents
- WES (World Education Services) verification of educational equivalency with the minimum of a U.S. bachelor's degree.
- Minimum score of 100 for the TOEFL iBT
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Completed application packets must be mailed to the following address:
Children's Memorial Hospital
Attn: Bryan Malas, MHPE, CO
2300 Children's Plaza, Box 46
Chicago, Ill. 60614-3394
Timeline:
- Application packets must be received no later then December 5th.
- Candidates will be notified with a decision by March 15th.
- Approximate start date for residency is between June and August of the same year of notification.