Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship
The Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship Program at Akron Children’s Hospital is a one-year program.
The goal of the fellowship is to develop expertise and prepare an individual for the clinical and academic practice of pediatric orthopedics.
Unique to this fellowship, it is designed for one fellow, providing an intensive and focused experience, covering everything from decision-making and continuing care of the patient, to initial management and follow-up care.
This program is accredited by the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA)
As a fellow, you will participate in:
- Patient care
- Education
- Research
- Quality improvement
The fellow is expected to achieve a level of excellence − not just competence − in each of these areas as they relate to pediatric orthopedic surgery.
Akron Children’s Hospital is a level 1 trauma center, with ACS verification. We are a busy center with hundreds of fracture cases yearly. The fellow will be presented with a heavy case load, choosing from over 2,700 operative cases annually. The fellow will have exposure to a wide range of injuries and diagnoses, from clinic procedures to extensive hip, spine, and oncologic reconstructions.
We have a respected and experienced team of pediatric specialists in our local and regional markets. Mentored by 12 full-time orthopedic staff, the fellow will be exposed to extensive training and clinical experience in an array of areas, including our comprehensive spine program. Our department performs over 52,000 clinic visits in a variety of clinical settings.
The Spine Center of Excellence is the showpiece of the department, with some of the highest outcome and quality metrics nationwide. The international Pediatric Spine Study Group (PSSG) identified ACH as the 3rd best site across the United States (only behind CHOP and CHLA). Dr. Todd Ritzman has just been invited to join the Harms Study Group, the premier research group in pediatric spinal deformities. Dr. Julie Samora, Chair since October 2024, is a nationally respected surgeon with a strong focus on mentorship, education, and research, driving academic production.
Members of our faculty are distinguished in a variety of fields.
All applications should be submitted through SF Match.
Walter "Quincy" Samora, MD
Fellowship Director
One Perkins Square
Akron OH 44302
wsamora@akronchildrens.org
Questions? Contact:
Allison Williams
Program Coordinator
awilliams3@akronchildrens.org
The Pediatric Orthopedic Fellow will:
- Train in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the entire spine with an emphasis on the closely aligned subspecialty of neurological surgery.
- Perform a detailed musculoskeletal physical exam.
- Polish technical skills necessary to treat the pediatric population in the surgical setting through direct implementation, supervision, observation and evaluation of the clinical fellow
- Experience scholarly activity and research using clinical or lab-based experience and discussion of the related ethical issues.
- Train to understand the indications of non-surgical verses surgical intervention.
Curriculum
- Fellow will participate in monthly morbidity and mortality conferences, weekly didactic conferences focusing on core pediatric orthopaedic curriculum, weekly indications conferences, monthly journal clubs, and monthly fellow-level conferences.
- In the surgical setting, the fellow will participate at a level deemed appropriate by the faculty and in accordance with the hospital's rules and regulations.
- In the clinical setting, the fellow will evaluate and treat patients under the supervision of the attending physician.
- The fellow will assist in decision-making and continuing care of the patient, including initial management (operative and/or non-operative) and follow-up care.
- In all settings, the fellow is expected to teach and mentor rotating orthopedic residents, various specialty rotators (e.g. emergency medicine residents, non-op sports fellows), medical students, and allied staff.
- Administrative, academic, clinical, and surgical functions are evaluated throughout the course of the program to ensure progression in mastering the Pediatric Orthopedic Fellow goals and objectives and to provide feedback for performance improvement and self-directed learning.
- The program is structured to provide graduated clinical responsibility under direct supervision and guidance of the surgical faculty.
- The clinical fellow is expected to progressively increase their ability to independently assess patients with spine or related problems and formulate treatment plans in the out-patient setting.
Stipends (Effective July 1, 2025)
PL-6 -- $78,856
Vacation
House offices are granted 3 weeks of vacation or 15 customary working days.
Conference Time
Fellows are entitled to 5 days of conference time each year for medical conventions and courses outside the hospital.
Educational Allowance
Fellows are provided $1,500 annually for use toward medical-related journals or books, conferences, and license renewals.
Research and Scholarship Travel
The Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine encourages and supports investigator-initiated research by subspecialty fellows. Therefore, the Department supports research-related travel when the fellow is in good academic and professional standing, and when prior written approval of the program director is documented. All hospital policies relating to travel must be followed.
Although the policy relates to presentation at a national forum, requests for support for presentation at a regional forum are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, funding may be available to offset costs for professional conferences (travel, lodging, registration, meals) if not presenting scholarly activity.
Professional Liability
Professional liability insurance is provided by the hospital.
Health Benefits
Fellows, and their dependents, are eligible to enroll in the hospital’s health, dental, and vision insurance programs. Costs are shared between the fellow and the hospital. Benefits are available immediately.
Retirement Benefits
Fellows may participate in the Hospital’s 403(b) Plan from their date of hire. Match dollars are not available to fellows.
Other Benefits
- Group Term Life Insurance equal to one time the fellow’s annual income, with an option to purchase additional coverage in increments of annual earnings.
- Dependent Life Insurance coverage and Medical Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Voluntary Universal Life, Accident & Critical Illness through Trustmark & Home& Auto through Met Life.
- Employee Assistance Program available to all fellows and their families.
- Short and Long Term Disability benefits available, effective for three months following start date.
Medical License & DEA
Fellows are required to obtain an Ohio State Medical License and DEA certificate prior to beginning training.
Parking
A key access card for convenient parking is provided at no charge.
Lab Coats
One embroidered lab coat is provided, if desired.
Meals
Fellows are given $70 every week for use in the hospital cafeteria.
Fitness Club Membership
All trainees are offered free individual membership to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Wellness Centers in Stow, Green and Montrose.
Relocation expenses
The hospital provides reimbursement for initial relocation expenses, up to $1,000, subject to current tax laws.
Smoke, Electronic Cigarette and Tobacco Free Campus
Akron Children’s is a tobacco-free healthcare system. Prospective employees who test positive for nicotine will have their offer of employment rescinded and will not be permitted to start work.
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