by Ryan Clark and Lindsey Fiori
CHS Contributors

The Physician Assistant Studies department in the College of Health Studies has added an Orthopaedic PA residency track at UK HealthCare.

The UKPA Academic residency program was originally developed by David Fahringer, MSPH, PA-C and Sibu Saha, MD, FACS, with the goal of training physician assistants in specialty areas to meet the health workforce needs of Kentucky.

“We began with UK HealthCare hospital medicine, critical care, Trauma and Neurology,” said Virginia Valentin, DrPH, PA-C, and Department Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and PA Academic residency program director. “As there is a lot of interest among PAs to work in surgery, it was only natural to partner with our Orthopaedic colleagues to assure care for our growing aging population. With 11 percent of PAs nationally working in Orthopaedics, we know that this residency program will be a huge success.”

The program is 12 months long and has a position available. The program will only “match” one student — it is not only an apply and accept process, but also a matching process of the resident with the clinical site team. The year of residency will include clinical experience in and out of the operating room in a variety of different areas within the orthopaedic practice.

“The goal of this residency program is to provide an opportunity for new PAs with a passion for orthopaedics to accelerate their specialty-level training with an exceptional orthopaedic practice,” said Hannah Anderson, MSPAS, PA-C, and full-time faculty in the UK PA program. Anderson also works clinically time in UK student health, and serves as director of the surgical tracks in the UK PA Academic Residency Program.

The Orthopaedic Surgery resident will join the renowned Orthopaedic Surgery service at UK Healthcare as part of the clinical team. Services will include Trauma,  Consults, Elective Joint Surgery, Sports Medicine, with potential electives in services such as Trauma Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Plastic Surgery. Time will be split between the operating room, clinic and hospital consults. The resident will attend Orthopaedic service conferences and didactic activities. By the end of the year, the resident will be prepared to work in a variety of roles in the field of orthopaedic surgery, including outpatient clinic, first-assist in the OR, and ED and inpatient management of the orthopaedic patient.

This residency track offers:

• Training with a wide variety of renowned orthopaedic surgeons and PAs in diverse fields
• Level 1 Trauma Center at Kentucky’s flagship institution, UK Chandler Medical Center
• Patient care experience in a multiple settings and levels of acuity, at three different clinical site locations
• Opportunities to practice medicine and live in the heart of the Bluegrass
• Extensive patient volume and variety of cases
• Unique learning in the management of complex orthopaedic patient
• Highly specialized resources and training opportunities within UK Healthcare
• Living in Lexington, Kentucky, the horse capital of the world, home of several top bourbon distilleries, and a mix of modern big city urban downtown with small town vibe of historic houses and neighborhoods

Rotation Template:

• Trauma
• General Orthopaedics (Ortho Primary Care)
• Sports Medicine
• Total Joint Reconstruction
• Hand and Upper Extremity
• Spine
• Pediatrics
• Elective

“Having undergone cartilage restoration surgery myself, I experienced first-hand the profound impact Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine can have,” said Holly Stilz, MS, PA-C, and the UK Orthopaedic PA Residency Co-Director. “This realization prompted me to join Dr. (Austin) Stone at the University of Kentucky as a dedicated Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine PA-C. My journey as both a provider and patient grants me a unique perspective on orthopaedic care.” 

Beyond her clinical practice, Stilz has authored numerous journal articles and book chapters, and remains active in research.

“I have a passion for PA Education and have been actively involved with the UK PA Program since 2014, assuming roles such as Guest Lecturer, Surgery Course Director, and Director of the Surgery PA Academic Residency Tracks,” she said.

One of the hallmark features of the program is the emphasis on comprehensive training in both surgical and non-surgical aspects of orthopaedic care. Residents will be proficient in triage, inpatient, ambulatory care and spend time in the operating room, honing their skills as first assistants under the guidance of experienced orthopaedic surgeons and physician assistants. They will also take first-call responsibilities in adult and pediatric emergency departments, gaining invaluable experience in managing complex orthopaedic cases.     

Furthermore, the program is committed to fostering a culture of mentorship and professional development. Each resident will be provided with guidance, support and ongoing feedback throughout the duration of the residency. Additionally, residents will have access to a robust didactic curriculum, including lectures, journal clubs, grand rounds, and case discussions, to enhance their clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills.  

“Our Ortho PA Residency Program represents a transformative opportunity for PA graduates seeking to specialize in orthopaedic surgery,” Stilz said. “With comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and a commitment to excellence, we are shaping the future leaders of orthopaedic care. We invite aspiring Ortho PAs to join us on this exciting journey in orthopaedic excellence.”

The UK PA Academic residency application portal just opened. Applications are accepted until April 12 and interviews will be conducted in May. All residents will begin training Oct. 1.

Please see our website for more information: https://www.uky.edu/chs/pas-academic-residency-program