UC Davis

Chairman : Paul Di Cesare
PD: Rolando Roberto
Location: Sacramento, CA
Spots: 5 (four 5 yr, one 6 yr)

Reputation: Known as “best” program in CA, largely due to storied ex-Chairman Michael Chapman, although he retired several years ago and program has been wavering a bit. Trauma heavy, very team oriented, “blue-collar, get your hands dirty” type of program.

Pros: Good all around program with strong reputation. Heavy on trauma, well-rounded program with multiple attendings in all areas - hand, spine, joints, peds, and sports. New Chairman Di Cesare from Joint Diseases brings expertise in resurfacing arthroplasty. Some more famous attendings include Szabo (Szabo classification), Chapman (Chapman’s Orthopaedics), Marder (Sacramento Kings doc).

Cons: Recent exodus of two foot/ankle attendings, sports legend Eric Heiden (5 gold medals in 1980 Winter Olympics), and tumor specialist still being felt. Program in transition with new Chairman. Hand, Spine, and Trauma fellows can take cases. Sacramento is not the most exciting place but you are still in CA an hour from the mountains, an hour from San Francisco. 

Final Word: Strong program, strong reputation, in CA. You would be lucky to get a spot at Davis.

Website: http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/orthopaedics/education/residency/index.html

Rotation Information: Used to favor rotators although seems to be moving away from this. Lots of rotators in high season. Away rotation on Trauma Service is a must.

Interview Dates: 2007 - 1/9 & 1/16

If you are a student, resident, attending or have recently rotated, please feel free to post any information, additions, changes, or comments.