Frequently Asked Questions

 

Will LSU Health New Orleans participate in the Universal Interview Offer Day?

Yes. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery participates in the American Orthopaedic Association Universal Interview Offer Day.
Additional details, including the specific date for the current application cycle, will be updated as they become available.

 

How many facilities do residents train in?

One of the defining strengths of our program is the breadth and diversity of clinical training environments. Residents rotate through multiple sites across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette, gaining exposure to:

• Academic medical centers
• A high-volume private practice
• Community hospital systems
• A Veterans Affairs hospital

New Orleans

Residents spend the majority of their training in New Orleans, primarily at:

• University Medical Center (UMC) – a Level I Trauma Center with high volumes of both blunt and penetrating trauma
• Manning Family Children’s Hospital – providing comprehensive pediatric orthopaedic care

PGY-3 and 5 residents have the opportunity to gain community hospital experience at Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner.

During intern year, residents rotate at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System.

Baton Rouge

In Baton Rouge, residents participate in a mentorship-based model at the Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic (BROC)—one of the busiest orthopaedic practices in the Gulf South.

This experience includes:

• Training at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center (the largest hospital in Louisiana)
• Exposure to multiple ambulatory surgery centers
• Opportunities to assist in the care of high-level collegiate athletics at Louisiana State University

Lafayette

In Lafayette, PGY-3 and PGY-5 residents experience a high degree of graduated autonomy, including:

• Running their own clinics under appropriate supervision
• Booking and managing operative cases
• Operating under direct attending supervision

This rotation is consistently cited by residents as a highlight of their training.

 

Overall, the variety of training environments allows residents to experience multiple practice models, preparing them for a wide range of career paths after residency.

 

Is there a night float system for call?

Yes. We have implemented a night float system on the primary trauma service at UMC. The night float pool consists of PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents, helping optimize both patient care and resident wellness.

 

How many residents are there per year?

The program currently accepts five residents per year, allowing for strong camaraderie, individualized mentorship, and balanced operative experience.

 

What is the call schedule like?

Call structure varies by rotation, site, and level of training:

• Trauma (UMC): Night float system
• Pediatric Orthopaedics: Home call, coordinated by the LSU chief resident
• Baton Rouge: Call responsibilities align with the attending on service

All call schedules are structured in full compliance with ACGME duty hour requirements.

 

What research opportunities are available?

Residents are actively involved in a wide range of research, including:

• Clinical outcomes studies
• Basic science research
• Database and registry analyses
• Multi-center collaborations

Each resident is required to complete at least one project of publishable quality during training. Opportunities for additional scholarly activity are abundant and well-supported.

 

How far are Baton Rouge and Lafayette from New Orleans?

• Baton Rouge: ~1 hour from New Orleans
• Lafayette: ~2 hours from New Orleans

Both cities are easily accessible via Interstate 10, with no tolls required.

 

Is housing provided during away rotations?

Yes. The department provides fully furnished housing in both Baton Rouge and Lafayette:

• Located within approximately 10 minutes of clinical sites
• Lafayette housing includes newly constructed apartments

 

Is there a meal stipend?

Yes.

• Residents receive a monthly meal stipend at UMC and Manning Family Children’s Hospital.
• Meals are often complimentary at clinical sites in Baton Rouge, Kenner, and Lafayette

 

Is moonlighting available?

There is no formal in-hospital moonlighting. However, residents have opportunities to:

• Provide sideline coverage for local high school football games
• Receive compensation per event

 

How is time divided between New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette?

Residents spend most of their training in New Orleans, with dedicated rotations in Baton Rouge and Lafayette at key points during residency.

 

Are call rooms available?

Yes.

• Call rooms are available at all training sites

 

Do residents travel for orthopaedic oncology or pediatric orthopaedics?

No. Both subspecialties are fully represented in New Orleans at:

• University Medical Center
• Manning Family Children’s Hospital

 

Is parking available?

Yes. Free parking is provided for residents at all training sites across all cities.

If you have any other questions please feel free to reach out to our residency coordinator:

Linda Flot

Residency Coordinator
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

2021 Perdido Street, 7th Floor
 New Orleans, LA 70112

Email: lflot@lsuhsc.edu
 Phone: (504) 568-4680
 Fax: (504) 568-4466