About the Fellowship Program

The Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons of Northern California (OTSNC) Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Program was established in 2009, matched its first fellow in 2010, and received its OTA accreditation in 2013. We have continued our accreditation as a “trauma fellowship” since the OTA moved to a two-track plan in 2023.

The fellowship is an advanced apprenticeship in treating musculoskeletal injuries of the extremities and pelvis, with the primary goal of moving the fellow closer to true expertise in this care. Fellows are taught to see themselves as physicians first, orthopaedic surgeons second, and traumatologists third — optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction remain the ultimate measure of success. All fellows enter the program having completed an accredited residency, and the fellowship advances their knowledge, judgment, and technical skill well beyond that of a general orthopaedic surgeon. While didactic study and review of the literature have value, one-on-one apprenticeship with experienced faculty advances the fellow toward expertise far more effectively. The program therefore immerses the fellow in a high-volume trauma setting, with daily, close interaction with seasoned surgeons dedicated to trauma care. 

Specific goals include deepening the fellow's knowledge of musculoskeletal injuries, sharpening treatment decision-making, developing surgical technical skill, and building the ability to critically evaluate research in the field. Fellows are introduced to new techniques while also given ample opportunity to master established ones, and are trained to be discriminating in adopting new technology not yet well supported by clinical evidence. The fellowship also introduces fellows to the administration of a busy trauma service, including coordination with other medical services, hospital administration, and ancillary staff across both inpatient and outpatient settings. Fellows spend substantial time in postoperative follow-up to develop sound judgment in managing patients after surgery. Finally, through experience in the private office component of the program, fellows gain insight into the business side of orthopaedics — its relationship to hospitals, third-party payers, and patients.

We cover two Level-2 trauma centers in the Sacramento area.

Sutter Roseville Medical Center serves as a regional referral hub, delivering 24-hour emergency care for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. Consistently ranked among California’s top hospitals, Sutter Roseville’s 418-bed facility serves 10 counties across the greater Sacramento region. The center includes a Joint Commission–accredited Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, Level II Trauma Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the Sutter Rehabilitation Institute. A 98,000-square-foot expansion completed in 2020 further supports the growing healthcare needs of Roseville and surrounding communities.

Mercy San Juan Medical Center is a community non-profit hospital located in Carmichael, CA. Servicing the same area since 1967, MSJMC offers 24/7 emergency care, 380 acute care beds, Level II trauma center, Level III NICU, and Cancer Center.