» Family Medicine Residency

For Prospective Residents

Curriculum:
PGYIII  Orthopedics A and B VA-West Los Angeles

Goals:     

The goal of the orthopedic rotation is to ensure the resident gains skills in appropriate history taking and competency in physical examination and diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems.

 

Objectives:

Residents will:

Patient Care and Medical Knowledge

1.     Learn a focused approach to performing a musculoskeletal history and physical examination.

2.     Understand the principles and basic techniques of casting, splinting, and strapping.

3.     Gain skills in identifying fractures and dislocations on radiographs.

4.     Learn the technique of joint aspiration and injection.

5.     Understand the role of physical therapy in rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries.

6.     Gain skills in assisting at orthopedic surgeries.

7.     Know how to measure and record joint motion using the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ criteria.

8.     Recognize the normal range of motion of the spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, metacarpal-phalangeal joints, hips, knees and ankles.

9.     Identify weakness in a major muscle group.

10.  Understand the normal and pathologic anatomy of the vertebral column and large joints.

11.  Recognize parameters defining normal and abnormal synovial fluid.

12.  Understand the natural history of a healing fracture, ligament, and tendon injury.

13.  Diagnose and manage musculoskeletal disorders and injury, including bursitis, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, low back pain and neck pain.

 

Practice Based Learning and Improvement

  1. Be able to use the internet to access current literature about orthopedic problems
  2. Be able to critically evaluate literature about orthopedic care
  3. Be able to work well in the context of the orthopedic clinic
  4. Be able to implement changes in patient care based on new information obtained from Orthopedic physicians, clinical experience, review of the literature and other sources

 

Interpersonal Communication Skills

  1. Communicate effectively with patients
    1. Able to communicate in a manner in which the patient with an orthopedic condition can understand the underlying disease, treatment plan and prognosis
    2. Able to listen to and address the concerns of patients and their families
  2. Communicate effectively with colleagues
    1. Able to work efficiently in the context Orthopedic clinic in a Veteran’s Administration facility
    2. Able to work efficiently with the support staff in the care of the orthopedic patient

 

Professionalism

  1. Demonstrate cultural competency
  2. Demonstrate the ability to act in the best interests of the patients
    1. Respect for confidentiality
    2. Respect for patient autonomy
  3. Be professional in all aspects of patient care
    1. Accepts personal responsibility for patients
    2. Accepts feedback in all aspects of care, including the six core competencies
    3. Timeliness
    4. Appropriate attire

 

Systems – Based Practice

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the care of the patient with orthopedic conditions in the context of the current health care system in a Veteran’s Administration facility
  2. Coordinate care with ancillary services to improve the healthcare of the patient
  3. Assist patients and their families in dealing with the orthopedic condition of the patient

Logistics:

 

The clinics you will be attending are various orthopedic clinics at the VA, as well as casting clinic on campus at UCLA.

 

Contacts:

Lisa Altman, MD, Lead Physician for Primary and

Ambulatory Care

Calvin Payne, Assistant

West Los Angeles VAMC

11301 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA   90073

(310) 268-3526 (Dr. Altman)

 

Location:

Orthopedic Clinic - West Los Angeles VAMC

11301 Wilshire Blvd.    

Los Angeles, CA  90073   

Room 0400     

(310) 478-3711, 41693/41674:  Steven Zeitzew, MD

(310) 268-3114:  Clinic

(310) 478-3711, x41674:  Nurses

 

Cast Clinic     

200 UCLA Medical Plaza

Suite 140

MC:  690742

Connie Landon (Acting Assignment Preceptor)

(310) 794-1248

 

Continuity Clinics – You will have at least 4 (Ortho A) or 5 (Ortho B) continuity clinics a week.  There may be more or less continuity clinics based on clinic availability.

 

Educational Half Day – Attendance is required.

 

Additional Information:

Attendance must be documented for each half-day clinic; see Marlene Abbott in Room 1601.  Report to the assigned Ambulatory Clinic and introduce yourself to the Attending or Chief Resident.  Clinic Contact and Location information is listed above. 

 

PARKING at the VA:  Because there is adequate parking at the VA, it is not necessary for residents to get parking permits.  However, you MUST park in areas designated for employees.  Lot 6 is west of the Wadsworth Building; Lot 2 is south of the Wadsworth Building.  Do NOT park in Lot 42 or Lot 43 (which are north and east of the Wadsworth Building, respectively), as these are Patient, Volunteer and Visitor Parking Areas – and monitored closely by the VA police.

 

Parking at UCLA for the cast clinic:  Parking is not provided for you for the cast clinic.